By the end of the third quarter of 2025, Veiling Rhein-Maas achieved a product turnover of €333 million, slightly higher than during the same period last year. September in particular was a strong month for cut flowers, with good average prices driving up the total product value compared to 2024.
After a somewhat slow start to the year, pot plant sales also picked up nicely in September. The late-summer weather, warm but not too hot, gave autumn plant sales a welcome boost. The ongoing trend of introducing summer assortments earlier in the season has also helped kick-start the autumn campaign sooner. As a result, most autumn products performed well in terms of sales figures. However, the strong results in September weren't enough to completely offset the decline in volume and average prices seen during the first half of the year. Unfavorable weather conditions in the first six months, especially in spring, with sharp temperature fluctuations, combined with cautious consumer spending, had clearly affected the market.
"After a partly unstable first half of the year, we're pleased to see that product turnover after the third quarter is slightly above last year's level," said Managing Directors Günther Esser and Cees Hoekstra. "Despite challenging market conditions and high staff absence rates in Q3, our team managed to keep things running smoothly. We're very grateful for their commitment. With confidence and good preparation, we're heading into the final months of 2025!"
Sales
For cut flowers, overall turnover remained below last year's level, even with a very successful September. Supply volumes in Q3 were also lower than in 2024. This was mainly due to a difficult tulip season, an uneven peony season, and unstable weather in key import countries.
In pot plants, both turnover and average prices were higher in July than during the same period last year, although sales volumes were slightly lower. The positive trend continued through August, with cyclamen and calluna performing particularly well. Other popular autumn products such as hebe, calocephalus, and asters also sold strongly. Chrysanthemum sales, however, were disappointing. Demand for indoor, green, and perennial plants remained steady, while sales of nursery products and ornamental pumpkins increased toward the end of the month.
In September, pot plant sales climbed significantly. Violas, cyclamen, and calluna were sold in particularly high volumes, highlighting the strong seasonal demand.
At the Clock Service, more cut flowers were sold in the first three quarters of 2025 than during the same period last year. The top performers here were roses, chrysanthemums, and gerberas. The Clock Service for pot plants also saw growth compared to 2024, especially in garden and houseplants.
Trade fairs and other activities
From 6 to 9 October, Veiling Rhein-Maas hosted the very first "African Week" at its Straelen-Herongen location. This special sales presentation focused on African cut flowers and their distribution in Germany and across Europe. In the auction foyer, visitors could discover exclusive African roses and summer flowers from direct suppliers of Landgard and FloraHolland, the parent organizations of Veiling Rhein-Maas. Beyond showcasing stunning products, African Week served as a meeting point for industry discussions, with expert talks and networking sessions centered around themes like internationalization and digital trade.
On 26 August 2025, Veiling Rhein-Maas also took part in Florall in Waregem, Belgium — the professional trade fair for ornamental and nursery products. The event provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships and establish new business connections.
The next trade fair appearance will be at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer in the Netherlands, from 4 to 6 November 2025, where Veiling Rhein-Maas will once again be present with its own stand.
Customer and Supplier Day on January 13, 2026
The next Customer and Supplier Day will take place on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at Straelen-Herongen. Over the years, this event has become a beloved industry meeting point for sharing information, inspiration, and ideas in a relaxed and friendly setting. The highlight of the 2026 edition will be the announcement of the Customer and Supplier of the Year, a moment of well-deserved recognition within the horticultural community.
Source: Veiling Rhein-Maas
