The school holidays, both in the Netherlands and abroad, are just about over, and everyday life is slowly getting back to normal. In the trade, we like to call this period "The Rentree." With the return to routine, demand at the auction clocks is rising again, and prices are looking much stronger. At least, that's what auctioneer Koos Heemskerk has noticed on his own clocks, as he shares in this very first blog post. "The shops need to be well stocked again, so consumers can start buying in full swing," Koos explains.
© Royal FloraHolland
Outdoor plants
As an auctioneer, I focus on outdoor plants. From the ECA dealing room in Aalsmeer, I handle different auction clocks each week. One week it's clock C18, where we see bulbs and tuber crops, patio plants, annuals and biennials, plus mixed arrangements. The following week it's clock C17, which is more about trees, shrubs, Lavandula and pot chrysanthemum bulbs.
What makes outdoor plants so much fun is the variety throughout the seasons. Right now, Gaultheria and Hebe are everywhere, while in spring the focus shifts to violas and bulb crops such as hyacinths. Every season has its charm. Combine that with the alternating work on clocks C17 and C18, and you can see why it's such an enjoyable job!
Increasing demand
Sometimes I wonder if plants get enough care during the holiday season. On those scorching days, keeping them alive was certainly a challenge. And if your neighbor forgets to water them for you, well, plants can suffer quickly. Even a fellow auctioneer admitted he lost a few. It could very well be that more plants need replacing this year compared to last. That would explain the sharp rise in demand, which in turn is pushing outdoor plant prices higher than last year.
Autumn approaching
After the Rentree, autumn is just around the corner. At the auction clocks we're already seeing a cheerful supply of autumn favorites. Big-flowered pot chrysanthemums, standard chrysanthemums and ornamental fruits are all making an appearance. And of course, the heather family is shining right now, with Erica and Calluna at peak quality and commanding top prices.
Flowers are also doing well
It's not just plants that are performing strongly. Almost all flower categories are enjoying good market conditions at the moment. From Africa, supplies remain limited for the time being, especially for roses. This is because it's winter there. The reduced number of roses is actually having a positive effect on other cut flowers. When roses are scarce and prices climb, it's only natural for buyers to turn to alternatives.
All in all, the outlook is positive. Trade is moving steadily, and both flowers and plants are achieving good results at the clocks. But as always in floriculture, we'll see how the season unfolds!
