During the summer months, our ornamental horticulture marketplace runs just a little differently. While many people are enjoying a well-earned break, the auction clock in the Netherlands keeps ticking as usual. "Normally, together with one colleague, I'm solely responsible for Clock 02 in Aalsmeer – a beautiful and diverse clock featuring lilies, gypsophila, sunflowers, alliums, and more," says auctioneer Luus Hooyman. "During the holiday season, though, you temporarily take charge of all product groups. After all, fellow auctioneers also take time off. Is it intense? Absolutely. But it's also valuable – you really get to immerse yourself in the full scope of the market."
© RFH
In this column, Luus shares her thoughts on what heat means for flowers and plants, and why auctioneers stay just as sharp during the holiday period.
Heat and ornamental crops
Heat and flowers or plants are always a tricky combination when it comes to sales. Demand slows, and you can see it immediately on the clock. Prices come under pressure, buying interest drops, and it's up to us to play the supply-and-demand game as skilfully as possible. The phone rings regularly: growers want to know what's going on, why prices are lagging, how the auction sequence is running. All very understandable, of course – but if you're on holiday, that bouquet on the table often just has to wait.
White blooms in demand
In early August, we did see a turning point, particularly in the white assortment. Thanks to the Feast of the Assumption, demand picked up and prices thankfully rose again – a welcome boost! The question now is how pricing will develop for the rest of the month. The holiday season isn't over yet, and it remains to be seen whether consumers will once again be tempted by a fresh bouquet or a beautiful plant.
Training new colleagues
There's also been plenty happening behind the scenes. Over the past few weeks, a new colleague has been shadowing me. The internal auctioneer training programme is in full swing, and last week Menno ran his first auction day – and he did an excellent job. A great addition to our team, even if it's not yet clear which clock he'll eventually be assigned to.
And the supply?
Finally, back to supply. This spring's weather was favorable, resulting in a strong harvest of outdoor cut flowers. As a result, this year's supply of summer and bulb flowers was significantly higher than last year. Buyers are spoilt for choice – but for us, that means the daily challenge of sensing the market correctly and adjusting accordingly.
In short, even during the holiday period, we stay sharp at the clock. Every day brings new opportunities – even in summer.
