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Looking back at February 1-15

It's Valentine's Day!

Today, let's take a look back at the first half of February. Or, as our industry knows it: time for Valentine's Day! How did the holiday go? And how was IPM Essen? Let's have a read.

Photo report IPM Essen

The 41st edition of the IPM Essen has come to a close. This year, the trade fair welcomed over 40,000 visitors (+5% compared to last year), with 1,434 exhibitors from 45 countries showcasing their products and services. FloralDaily and HortiDaily were also present, gathering news and creating not just one, but two photo reports—one featuring floral exhibitors and the other highlighting technology exhibitors.

Will Canadian flower growers have to move production to the US?

As discussions on tariffs for Canadian goods intensified leading up to the US presidential election, many in the industry anticipated a shift in trade policy. Initial skepticism has now given way to a seemingly changing reality. The US administration is moving toward increased trade restrictions, with tariffs positioned as a tool to address multiple policy concerns, including trade imbalances and border security. For Canadian flower growers, this raises uncertainty over continued access to the US market.

"With this sticking robot, we can change varieties quickly with little down time"

The New Hampshire-based propagator D.S. Cole Growers offers a wide variety of species and cultivars which are rooted weekly in small batches. Because of the weekly sticking of these small batches, it has been difficult to justify a sticking robot. With the advent of the new TTA-ISO sticking robot, the CuttingEdge, Cole is now able to change varieties quickly with little down time.

Millions of Colombian flowers are crossing borders for Valentine's 2025

"Colombia is the second largest flower exporter worldwide. Floriculture is one of the most important sources of formal work in the Colombian countryside, as well as an example of international trade logistics within our agricultural sector. This segment has been a key catalyst in opening new international markets while positioning Colombia as a quality and diversity flower supplier that embraces good social and environmental practices", said Augusto Solano, CEO of Asocolflores.

New Trump import tariff hits greenhouse construction

Following previous import duties on Mexico, Canada, and China—some of which were later paused—U.S. President Trump has now authorized new import duties on steel and aluminum. Starting on March 12, he ordered a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminum entering the U.S., marking a significant expansion of existing trade barriers. Greenhouse construction companies are closely monitoring developments, hoping the president will realize that this measure could also have negative consequences for the country itself.

© Izzzy71 | Dreamstime

Dümmen Orange signs breeding agreement with Lucanne B.V.

Lucanne B.V. owner Perry Wismans signed an agreement with Dümmen Orange that assigns and transfers all rights, titles and interests related to the Dümmen Orange Heliconia breeding program to Lucanne B.V.

"Times are tough, we place our hopes on Mother's Day"

For the past twelve years, Erfan Safari, the owner of Sevin Greenhouse has been cultivating tropical plants and cut flowers in Mahallat, Iran - a region renowned for being the heart of the country's ornamental plant production. While he once exported a portion of his products, the current economic climate has made business particularly challenging. In recent years, the company and the ornamental industry has faced several obstacles, including sanctions, economic inflation, and a decline in demand. Today, their primary market is the domestic Iranian market, which has prompted them to diversify their crop offerings in order to stay competitive. But the situation is tough and they are now placing their hopes on Mother's Day because that is their most important holiday, followed by Iran's New Year, which falls earlier, on March 20.

It's Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is here! Florists and retailers are in the thick of the holiday rush, working tirelessly to meet demand. While the full impact of Valentine's Day 2025 will become clear in the coming days, we are taking a look at how the industry prepared in different parts of the world. With Valentine's Day falling on a Friday this year - a prime shopping day - expectations have been high for strong sales and last-minute purchases.

Sustainable banana-leaf planters take flight internationally

After working 25 years in the Colombian flower industry, Nancy Montealegre made a bold shift—not to sell roses, but to create pots. And not just any pot. In 2018, she and her family began experimenting with banana leaves to craft their eco-friendly planters designed for potted roses. This vision became a reality in 2021 with the establishment of Montehappy. In the years that followed, both their product range and international presence expanded. So, what makes these pots so special? Nancy explains, "In short, it is a natural, sustainable, and locally made product."

"Our goal is to deliver what customers want, even before they realize they want it"

D.S. Cole Growers in New Hampshire keeps a close eye on market trends for young plants. "Our goal is to deliver what customers want, even before they realize they want it," says president Doug Cole. "It's an old strategy, but one we must continually embrace to remain relevant." In addition to introducing new and trendy plant varieties, D.S. Cole also focuses on improving growers' processes. This includes innovations like larger cell sizes and expanding into a new category with their so-called ready to pot Kits.