"It really feels like summer. Things are a bit quieter, but everything is still running smoothly," says Roelof Stijnman of EZ Flower, an export company from the Netherlands. And with a little more breathing room in the regular flow of business, there's plenty of time for weddings and events.
© Roelof Stijnman
"Last week, we shipped flowers for a wedding in Paris, in collaboration with a floral designer from the Philippines. He creates some truly wild designs. We're still frequently contacted for destination weddings," Roelof adds. So he doesn't mind the slight slowdown. "It's nice to have time for these kinds of projects again." In the Middle East, as every year, it's extremely hot and quiet. "Schools are closed for three months, and many locals head abroad, often to the south of France. Our main shipping season there is from September to May, so right now it's a low point for that region."
Delphiniums, peonies, and hydrangeas
Shipments to the United States continue to be steady. "Delphiniums are really in demand right now, as well as summer flowers. But peonies are also still popular—everyone loves them. And the hydrangeas are absolutely stunning at the moment." Especially in and around 'The Big Apple', demand remains strong. "A lot of people are spending summer in and around New York, and they want their homes filled with flowers," he says.
"Prices are relatively low at the moment, although there are exceptions. Delphiniums, for instance, are holding their price because they're used extensively in events. And customers are paying a premium for white Nerines. But with the warm weather, you often see prices dip a bit overall."
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.com
Roelof and Gerard from EZ Flower during IFTEX in Nairobi, Kenya
Trade show visit Kenya
Roelof also attended this year's IFTEX in Kenya, together with his colleague Gerard. "Funny enough, a customer from New York was there too, and we hadn't even known we'd both be there. Those kinds of unexpected encounters are always great. Due to the Feast of Sacrifice in the Middle East, turnout was slightly lower this time, but we still made new contacts. And it's always good to catch up with colleagues. There's always a great atmosphere at the Kenya fair."
Tulips
In the meantime, preparations for the upcoming season are well underway. "Tulips are still very important to us, and we supply them year-round, especially to the US and China. We work closely with tulip growers like Zwettulips. This quieter summer period is the perfect time to set appointments and visit growers."
Trade tariffs
The announced, and repeatedly delayed, trade tariffs affecting exports to the US don't seem to be having much impact for now, Roelof says. "Some customers were anxious leading up to it, but we're not noticing any effects. Maybe that's because it's already been postponed 12234728 times."
He concludes, "The trade is nicely stable at the moment. Soon we'll be back in full swing, but for now, there's room for events, grower visits, and preparation. The flower business is a 24/7 business; there's always something going on."
For more information:
Roelof Stijnman
EZ Flower
Tel: +31 (0)6 20700207
[email protected]
www.ezflower.nl
