Monetary value of fresh produce imports from Mexico to US to exceed $53 billion by 2030

According to a recent report from the Center for North American Studies, CNAS, at Texas A&M University, fresh produce imports from Mexico are expected to grow substantially in…

US: Horticultural Research Institute calls for research proposals

The Horticultural Research Institute is now accepting research project proposals designed to improve green industry efficiencies and profitability. Proposals for the 2023…

New UK task force protects the welfare of seasonal workers

A new task force has been established to ensure the responsible recruitment and employment of migrant workers under the UK seasonal workers scheme. The group is made up of…

Sri Lanka: Import ban on chemical fertilizers and other agro-chemicals: Effects on floriculture sector

In May 2021, the government of Sri Lanka enacted the Import and Export (control) Regulations No. 7, which banned the importation of chemical fertilizers and other…

"Great growth potential for Turkish ornamental plants exports"

"The total import capacity of the European Union, Gulf countries, and Turkic Republics, which are among the most important consumption centers of ornamental plants in the world, is over $20 billion. Türkiye's share of these markets, which are the country's closest neighbors and can be reached by…

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India: 7,000+ha of horti crops lost to hailstorm, in Karnataka

The unseasonal showers that occurred last week ruined the plans of many farmers. Initial estimation by the Horticulture Department has shown that crops on approximately 7,741 hectares, valued over ₹20 crore, were lost. Kolar, where unusually-sized hailstones hit the ground, was the worst-affected…

US: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening announce the 2023 GroMoreGood Grassroots grantees

Bringing life-enhancing benefits of gardens to communities across the United States, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening are excited to announce the recipients…

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"Mother’s Day ‘ruined’ as flowers from M&S, Sainsbury’s, and MoonPig arrive dead and moldy"

In the UK, Mother's Day was celebrated last Sunday, March 19. The Scottish Sun reports that angry shoppers have claimed Mother's Day has been "ruined" after flower orders from major retailers arrived dead and moldy.  "Customers have slammed shops including M&S, MoonPig, and Sainsbury's after allegedly receiving…

US (FL): The Bloom Show covers the 2023 WFFSA’s Floral Distribution Conference

Earlier this month, the floral industry gathered in Miami to attend WF&FSA’s Floral Distribution Conference, which took place from March 6-8 in Doral, FL. Above All Flowers & New Bloom Solutions were also present and covered the event in a three-episode series. On top of that, they organized a Bloom…

Scottish parliament hears Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) launched their Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy at the beginning of March – and it was this plan that was the topic of conversation for the Gardening and Horticulture Cross Party Group (CPG) in Scotland's Parliament on Thursday, March 16. The…

Storm, ToBRFV and hail cause above-average loss figures for horticultural insurance company

For the second year in a row, horticultural insurance company Gartenbau-Versicherung can look back on a significantly above-average year of losses. More than 50 million euros…

"Customers expected to buy almost 1.2 million tulips"

This Mother's Day, Morrisons is committed to selling tulips only grown in British nurseries to provide the freshest and highest quality bunches for its customers. Morrisons British tulip range features a specially handcrafted 'The Best' Tulip bouquet for £8, which contains 18 stunning individual tulip…

NL: "The tree nursery sector calmed down somewhat in autumn 2022"

The tree nursery sector calmed down somewhat in autumn 2022. The craziness of the past 1.5 year in which sales records were broken is over. What remains is a somewhat more cautious market comparable to the situation in 2019, in which container-growing companies are having a significantly harder time than…

Average area of Flemish ornamental crops rises slightly in 2021

Ornamental crops are grown on 4.4% of farms in Flanders. 3% of Flemish farms are specialized ornamental plant cultivation companies. The number of farms growing ornamentals…

Shipping lines refusing to cut capacity in price war

Container freight rates are still falling, while charter rates are holding up, suggesting that liner operators are chasing market share, even if it means a price war.…

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India: New Delhi Municipal Council to start local cultivation of tulips for spring festival

With a successful Tulip Festival this year, conducted for G-20 beautification of the city, the New Delhi Municipal Council is gearing up to indigenize the flower specie for local cultivation as the council plans to showcase it every year. Officials said that the flower will be grown locally. Wilted tulip…

FPC Tulp discovers market in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna together with Royal FloraHolland

FPC Tulp, together with Product Manager Coen Verspeek, visited Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna last week. The aim was to get an idea of the market in this region around International Women's Day. Over three days, the FPC visited florists, supermarkets, wholesalers, and a nursery. What stood out was that…

China: New-generation of growers return to their hometowns to launch horti businesses - successfully

In recent years, Wucheng County in Dezhou, Shandong Province, has continuously introduced and cultivated new professional growers and developed enterprises to help and benefit growers. This is part of the County's rural revitalization strategy, attracting young talent to the region to open up new…

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India: Sangrur flower growers seek government assistance

Many flower growers, who also export seeds to various countries, say floriculture has a lot of potential in terms of promoting crop diversification and bringing farmers out of the paddy-wheat cycle. But flower growers rued that they did not receive help, despite tall claims of various governments.…

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UK: Aldi scales up Fairtrade flower-worker scheme

Aldi UK is partnering with the Fairtrade Foundation on the next stage of a £400,000 program to empower women in the Ethiopian flower sector, with a view to tackling some of the systemic challenges they face.   Aldi is the second largest retailer of Fairtrade flowers in the UK, and in 2022 the supermarket sourced 2.7…

Cut flower ocean shipments continue to rise

The amount of flowers that are being shipped by ocean cargo keeps rising. At PortMiami, the largest destination port for cut flowers in the United States, cut flower imports have grown 19% in 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021 and 95% when compared to the same period in 2020. Huge increase in last…

Serbian roses on the rise in the EU market

New competitive call announced for Serbian farmers; macro figures on Serbia's trade with the EU; new advisory board to be established for processing industry; import tax on re-export of dairy - Our weekly briefing on agriculture, food, and nature news in Serbia. Rose export reached €3 million last…

"Women's Day remains top day for the flower trade"

All professionals working in floriculture know the importance of International Women's Day. March 8 is the day when men show their love and appreciation for the women around them by giving flowers. Of course, champagne, wine, treats, and other gifts are also given, but flowers remain an indispensable…

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Report Cut flower production sub-sector in Armenia

Interested to learn more about the cut flower production sub-sector in Armenia? In a recently published report, delegated by the Netherlands Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, and implemented by Argument Consulting Bureau, all information can be found. The analysis was conducted in the period of…

Romania's flower market set for record sales over March 1-8

The flower market in Romania will reach historical sales during the period of March 1-8, when flowers worth over EURO 32 million will be sold, according to a study conducted by consulting company Frames. Over 3,000 firms are competing in a market where March represents the peak of sales for the entire…

"Unhealthy and low-productivity firms benefited the most from Covid support"

Although non-viable firms were less likely to have applied for support than viable firms, unhealthy and low-productivity firms benefited most from Covid support measures in…

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Azerbaijan is one of main flower-exporting countries to Russia

Azerbaijan is one of the main countries that export flowers to Russia, Azernews reports citing the press service of the Central Customs Department of Russia. According to the information received from the press service of the Russian Central Customs Department, more than 150,000 tons of roses -…

"You want to go deeper, find the connection with the company and be able to visualize it again"

Karin has been working for Marginpar since 2012 and has felt connected to the company since her very first assignment. She has shaped Marginpar's creative identity and designed numerous expressions in the meantime. Karin: "It's nice to be involved in the main lines, in developing the strategy. But also…

Women's Day around the world

It is March 8 today, which means International Women's Day. It is a holiday about celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and is usually widely celebrated with flowers in Russia and other Eastern European countries, but it is gaining more and more popularity in other countries as well and…

"Mimosa production lower, prices higher"

It is Women's Day today, and in Italy, this holiday is called Festa fella Donna and is celebrated with Mimosa. Men give the women in their lives a bunch of Mimosas or a bouquet of flowers that should include Mimosa. At Flora Toscana's bouquet-making department, they have been working several nights in a…

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Russia: More than 300 thousands tulips were controlled ahead of Women's Day

The Department of Rosselkhoznadzor for the Orenburg region carries out quarantine phytosanitary control in relation to flower products. On the eve of March 8, flowers grown in Orenburg greenhouses are sold both in the region and sent to other regions of the Russian Federation, as well as for export.…

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Russia: Inspectors surveyed a greenhouse growing tulips in permafrost conditions

In early March, inspectors from the Office of the Rosselkhoznadzor for the Amur Region and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) monitored the production of the greenhouse out of Maya Megino-Kangalassky district of Yakutia. The basis was the statement of an individual entrepreneur who got drunk in the Office…

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Philippines: "What ails our orchid industry?"

When we came back home in the late 80s, I went into orchid raising to tide us over while my medical practice was still starting. In just 2,000 square meters, I was able to supply cut orchids to flower shops in Manila. This provided for a comfortable life at that time. It was basically all importations…

"A Women's Day to soon forget"

There is little positive news to report when it comes to the Russian flower trade, as some Dutch companies who'd rather stay anonymous report. It can be summarized as follows: less trade and demand,…

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Horti-Export Phase 2 to further Rwanda’s horticulture exports

The first phase of the Horti-Export project contributed significantly to Rwanda’s horticultural export growth by expanding its market base, and its second phase will further increase such gains, sector actors indicated. They made the observations on Thursday, March 02, in Kigali, during the launch of…

Dutch renewable energy share rises 20% in 2022

In 2022, The Netherlands produced 20% more electricity from renewable sources than a year earlier. Energy production from fossil sources fell by 11%. Last year, 40% of total electricity production came from renewable sources, up from 33% in 2021. That is according to the Dutch Central Bureau of…

Colombian Valentine's Day flower exports resisting inflationary pressures

Many of the fresh flowers like carnations and roses that are sent to the United States and other Western countries during love-centric events such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, or similar events come from Colombia. For example, this year, Colombia-based Avianca Cargo transported 18,000 tons of…

Poisonous daffodils mistaken for spring onions at British supermarket

A mistake was made at the British supermarket Marks & Spencer this week. Staff at the supermarket chain mistook daffodil bulbs for spring onions. Consumption of the bulbs can lead to several intense symptoms. Following a tweet by British presenter James Wong, a big fuss arose online. "I don't want to get…

“In over 35 years of operations, we’ve seen a lot change in the foliage market”

A lot is happening in the foliage market. Consumer demand is skyrocketing, and new players are entering. How is the market developing, and how will it develop in the future? Let's ask Joe Roberts of ForemostCo, Inc., a US-based company that was founded as Foremost Foliage in 1987. Since then, the company…

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Over 1.3 thousand tons of flowers imported in Kazakhstan ahead of Women’s Day

Over 1.3 thousand tons of flowers, or 24.6 million buds worth $9.5 million, were imported to Kazakhstan in January-February this year as the country prepares to mark International Women's Day on March 8, Kazinform has learned from the country's State Revenue Committee. Of the total volume of flowers…

US: Sun Valley sees flower sales match the rising enthusiasm for Women’s Day

It's almost March 8th, which means Women's Day. "This year's theme for Women's Day is 'Embrace Equity,' and this matches beautifully with the cut flower world. The floral industry is one of the most diverse and inclusive industries in the world, featuring a global scale across gender, age, race, and…

EU: 13 countries affected by import ban on plant material susceptible to Xylella fastidiosa

As of Thursday, March 2, 2023, the import of plant material susceptible to Xylella fastidiosa is no longer permitted for 13 third countries: Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. In accordance with EU legislation…

Has the Internet replaced fairs and exhibitions?

Can everything really be transferred to the Internet? Do people who predict the end of exhibitions do everything remotely? Do they visit domestic and foreign fairs? Have any trade shows closed? Regardless, the more important question is this: Is there an easier way to contact such a wide group of customers,…

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Romania's flower market set for record sales over March 1-8

The flower market in Romania will reach historical sales during the period of March 1-8, when flowers worth over EUR 32 million will be sold, according to a study conducted by consulting company Frames. Over 3,000 firms are competing in a market where March represents the peak of sales for the entire…

Connecting with a customer, from employee to consumer

If there's one thing known about the modern customer, it's that their expectation of personalization is at its highest point ever.  Historically, pre-scan data and pre-social media, the only way to a customer's heart was by offering weekly deep discounts through a front-page, low-priced loss leader. Today,…

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E-commerce gaining increased importance in the flower industry

The flower industry is evolving as more and more online wholesale florist shops accept floral e-commerce as a viable business model. The flowers haven’t changed much over the years, and neither have most of the businesses that supply them. Still, how they market to consumers and transport their goods has…

Currencies of Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana expected to weaken

Kenya's shilling, Uganda's shilling, Ghana's cedi, and Zambia's kwacha are expected to weaken against the dollar in the week to Thursday, March 2. At the same time, Tanzania's…

US: Post Valentine’s report

"Rather than going over statistics, I felt a general overview of the holiday would be the Wizard's approach," says David Kaplan, also known as the Flower Wizard of Above All Flowers and New Bloom Solutions. According to him, the statistics are very important, especially when it comes to the 5 W's: who, what, why, when, and where.…

A closer look at the Italian market

Yesterday, we published the photo report of the seventh edition of the Myplant & Garden, which was visited by 23,000 people, a record in the show's history. In this article, we take a closer look at the Italian market and its developments.  Click here for the complete photo report. BreedersSo let's start with…

UK: Horticulture trading to resume after Northern Ireland Protocol agreement reached

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has welcomed parts of the deal struck between the UK and EU regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol – stating that 'real trade can…

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US (CT): New Haven florists reflect on changing industry after bloom of Valentine’s Day demand

Sales flourished at flower shops in New Haven a few weeks ago as florists managed one of their busiest days of the year, Valentine’s Day.  In order to make the day special for local lovers, stores surveyed customers, began accepting preorders, coordinated flower production with local flower farms, and shifted…

NL: Not a wave of bankruptcies, but a cry for help from greenhouse horticulture was justified

As winter set in, the alarm sounded that almost a third of greenhouse horticulture entrepreneurs were in liquidity problems or at risk of being in liquidity problems in the…

Viva Magenta, the color of 2023

The Pantone Color Institute, one of the most important references in the creation of trends and color integration for product development and brand identity, has recently announced the selection of Viva Magenta as the color of the year 2023. But it's not just about the color itself. It also suggests a palette that has been…

Energy prices forcing NA growers to look to Europe for energy saving possibilities

Energy is one of, if not the biggest, challenge for commercial greenhouse and indoor growers today. Rising prices and fluctuations make it increasingly difficult for growers to stay in business and to continue planting new crop cycles as expected. Energy rates in North America, where energy was…

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Locally sourced bumper crop of daffodils in Welsh Asda Stores for St David's Day

There's something about daffodils that just makes you smile, and most likely, it's knowing that they are a sign that spring is on the way with lighter nights and better weather to look forward to. Source: Asda To brighten up households in time for spring, Asda is working with local Pembrokeshire-based…

Positive vibes at Myplant & Garden

Today, February 24, is the last day of the Myplant & Garden. Despite growers waiting to see what will happen over the coming weeks, the vibe on the show floor is positive, and when talking with different exhibitors, they seem to be very pleased with the amount and type of visitors. FloralDaily was also…

Denmark: "Growers see this crisis as an opportunity to improve and be more innovative"

Growers in Denmark are hit by the energy crisis as well. In 2022, four ornamental nurseries had to close their doors, some were bought by other large companies, and some are renting out their land and looking for opportunities to get back in business. All in all, it has been a challenging year, but…

Italian indoor plant market: "low availability and high prices"

What will the weather do, and will the consumer buy plants? Those are some of the major questions of garden plant growers. In contrast, indoor plant growers supply year-round. But what is the demand for their products in Italy like? What we hear at the Myplant & Garden, which is on its second day today,…

Relatively new in the Arab world, the industry of edible flowers seeks its customers

The cultivation of edible flowers is a relatively recent industry in the Arab world, and it arouses consumer curiosity and growth potential, according to Mr. Yasser Samir, farm manager of the grower Azahir. Yasser describes his operations, "We are, to my knowledge, the first edible flower farm in the…

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SAF’s advocacy priorities: protect floriculture research funding increase

SAF: Last December, the Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative received a $1 million increase in funding for the fiscal year 2023, matching the largest increase the program has ever received. What did it take to make that happen? Joe Bischoff: A lot of things. First, putting a face on the ask for…

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India: “Crop diversification is a transformational strategy for adaptation to climate change”

Chief Minister has always emphasized the promotion of more remunerative crops in the state to enhance farmers' income. Recently the State Cabinet has approved a new scheme titled, Crop Diversification Programme to promote the non-paddy and other high-value crop cultivation in all 30 districts of the…

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Bangladesh: "Farmers and traders expect good sales figures in February"

The price of flowers is slightly higher this year, and thanks to three important occasions that fall within a week, flower traders are expecting the monthly revenues in their sector to cross Tk 300 crore from selling different kinds of flowers in February, the peak season of flower trading. Growers and…

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Commercial flower power: How the global flower trade continues to blossom

But the flower industry is bigger than just one day, and flowers are more than just nice-looking, pleasant-smelling plants. They're the backbone of a global industry that, by some estimates, trades nearly $30 billion in annual volume, and, like a faithful patch of peonies, continues to steadily grow,…

"2023 will be 'most sustainable year for Flower Logistics ever'"

It was a bit all in one: a Knowledge Day, an open house, networking, presenting their services, and highlighting its cooperation with customers. With all these reasons in mind, FlowerWatch welcomed partners, customers, and relations to its new location at Tech Campus De School in Roelofarendsveen, the…

Avoid fines or worse with KYC Check from AgroCheck

Do you already do customer due diligence? With a customer survey or 'Know Your Customer' survey, you can find out who you are actually doing business with. And that is exactly what financial institutions, such as banks, require of you. Exporters, traders, growers, and service providers are increasingly…

Colombia: Hydrangea market continues to grow

The hydrangea is the fourth most important flower in Colombia in terms of value and volume. 2022 has been a positive year for this sector. They exported over 90 million USD and were the third product category with the largest growth, according to statistics from Asocolflores. Catalina Arango From…

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European Union seeks more trade deals with Kenya

The European Union has opened trade talks with Kenya to tap opportunities in agriculture, green energy, infrastructure, and technology. According to Martijn Boelen, EU trade counsellor and regional trade adviser, the forthcoming EU-Kenya Business Forum dubbed “Trade and Investment Opportunities in Kenya”…

"Passion and invention lead 2023 floral trends"

While every fresh floral and botanical design is constructed to invigorate the senses and create brightness in the moment, the year ahead promises to offer an increased sense of renewal by stepping outside of traditionalism. In 2023, trends provide a chance of rejuvenation in shades of pink and coral,…

Valentine's Day at Polish supermarkets

Valentine's Day is one of the most important flower celebrations for the Polish flower market, after Mother's Day and Women's Day. Increasingly more people buy their flowers at supermarkets as they have a large assortment and usually have the same prices as in usual weeks. Tulips and roses are the main…

"Toffee roses trending as new color of love"

Red roses are getting some competition in the love department. Its new cultural rival? Toffee/taupe-colored roses. In the past year, rose farms are quadrupling production, sales have surged, and florists can’t get enough of them. These roses not only represent multi-colorism but reflect the growing…

“Sustainability has long been important to us, even before it started trending up”

At Costa Farms, they have been working on becoming more sustainable for decades, and at the TPIE, which took place last month, the company’s booth commemorated and celebrated sustainability in a variety of new forms. “Sustainability has long been important to us, even before it started trending up”, says…

China: Let’s check out those romantic bouquets for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, also known as St. Valentine's Day, takes place every year on February 14 and is one of the traditional festivals in western countries. The day finds its origins in Christianity and has now become a famous romantic festival all over the world. So with that said, let's check out the…

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India: Flower sales in Jashore witness spring, Valentine's Day boom

Flower traders of Godkhali in Jashore's Jhikargacha, one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the country, spent a hectic time over the last week amid soaring sales of flowers to welcome Pahela Falgun (the first day of spring) and Valentine's Day, two festivals being celebrated simultaneously…

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China: Demand for flowers surges in Kunming's market

The Kunming Dounan Flower Market in southwest China's Yunnan Province was crowded on February 13. Data from Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center showed that 56.42 million branches of fresh-cut flowers were traded between January 24 and February 8, up nearly 40 percent year-on-year. With the…

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Valentine's Day in Vietnam: "I love you, and the roses are expensive"

Valentine's Day has become incredibly popular in Vietnam, particularly in bigger cities. The romantic holiday with Western origins and a commercial spin offers Vietnamese people more excuses to show their love in different ways. Valentine's Day is the day when a dozen of red roses cost two, three, or…

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Afghanistan: Kabul florists heartbroken over Taliban Valentine's Day ban

Florists with wilting bouquets of red roses and street vendors clutching unsold balloons were heartbroken in the Afghan capital on Tuesday, February 14, after the Taliban's morality police banned Valentine's Day celebrations. While Valentine's Day has never been widely celebrated in Afghanistan, some…

Bonanza blossoms at flower markets in Kunming

Livestreamers and merchants start work early every morning surrounded by the rainbow of flowers on sale at the bustling Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, Yunnan province. "I present flowers to my audience on live-streaming platforms, and I also communicate with foreign companies about exports," said Hua…

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UK: Bouquet of Valentine’s Day roses being sold for whopping £385 at central London station

A florist at a central London station has raised eyebrows by selling a bouquet of Valentine's Day roses for a whopping £385.The pricy roses are to be found at Flower Station on the upper concourse of Liverpool Street station. On sale are several bouquets of roses for £200 and a large bouquet of red roses…

China's flower trade in 2022: exports hit a new high and imports fell slightly

In 2022, the international market was complex and changeable, and the impact of the pandemic continued. China's flower trade withstood heavy pressure, exports hit a new high, and imports declined slightly. According to customs statistics, in 2022, flower exports reached nearly US$477 million in China, a…

ARS Research Helps U.S. Floral Industry Bloom

Did you know about 22% of Americans bought flowers last Valentine’s Day, according to industry statistics? That single-day surge added about $2.3 billion to the U.S. economy. If you’ve purchased a bouquet of flowers for a loved one recently, perhaps a word of thanks goes to the U.S. Department of…

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Bring industry priorities to Washington

On March 20-21, floral pros from around the country will educate a new Congress on these industry priorities during the Society of American Florists’ Congressional Action Days — and experience an insider’s view of Washington D.C. while doing it. “Each year, Congressional Action Days brings something new…

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No longer a bed of roses for flower growers in Kenya due to high inflation

Rows of roses that bloomed on a farm in Kajiado, are being packed up to be sent out to lovers worldwide. Love is in the air ahead of Valentine's Day in Kenya. Isinya Roses and Porini Flowers grows standard roses and red roses; Valentine's day is a big event for the company. But despite being a busy…

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US: Where do grocery stores source their flowers?

Like any other products on the shelves, grocery stores work with multiple suppliers to stock their floral departments. In the case of flowers, they may come from various states in the U.S. or as far as Holland or South America. Ingles Markets, Publix Super Markets, and Whole Foods Market representatives…

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China's 'romance economy' spurs fresh flower sales

Recovered market confidence and a burgeoning "romance economy" based on the rising incomes of consumers in China have led to robust sales of fresh cut flowers. At a flower shop in Beijing, busy shop assistants could recently be seen packing bouquets ahead of Valentine's Day. "No one can refuse a bunch of…

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US (CA): Valentine's Day flower frenzy hits San Francisco

The San Francisco Flower Mart opened early on Tuesday February 14, as florists prepared for one of their busiest days of the year, Valentine's Day.  "I haven't slept in two days," Darlene Gutierrez, the owner of Love & Stem Flower shop, said as she laughed. "I love Christmas, but this is a different kind of…

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Gazans skip out on Valentine's Day celebrations, frowned upon by many

Business was slower than usual at gift and flower shops in Gaza on Tuesday as Valentine's Day is considered un-Islamic by many of the 2.3 million Palestinians living in the strip.  Wasim Abdu, who owns the Safeer El-Hub (Ambassador of Love) flower shop in Gaza City, said sporadic clashes with Israel and the…

Valentine's Day: More tulips than roses traded at Royal FloraHolland

In the two weeks before Valentine's Day, Royal FloraHolland's marketplace sold 160 million tulips and 151 million roses. The number of roses sold was 8 million lower than last year. The number of premium roses sourced from the Netherlands was lower for the second consecutive year. Due to the increasing…

“Americans love flowers"

How was Valentine’s Day 2023 in the US? “In the Valentines week, sales were for many the same as 2022 and for some sales were up by about 2-5%”, says Joost Bongaerts, owner and CEO of Florabundance, a certified American Grown wholesaler, based in Carpinteria (CA) that supplies florists, flower markets, floral designers, special…

New study details ‘positive’ impacts of Fairtrade on flower workers

Fairtrade flowers workers in East Africa experience higher wages, better working conditions, greater engagement in workers' rights issues, and gender equity than their non-Fairtrade certified counterparts, a new report has revealed. The study, titled 'Impact of Fairtrade on flower workers and market…

It's Valentine's Day!

It's Valentine's Day! Florists and retailers are still in the middle of the rush, so no final conclusions can be drawn yet, but all over the world, the holiday is different compared to last year, which was filled with optimism. This year, weather seem to have been a major challenge in Latin America and Africa, delaying…

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AU: Flower industry pushes to get country-of-origin labelling back on the table for imported blooms

When you buy a bunch of flowers today for that special someone, do you know where the blooms were grown? Does it even matter? The national body representing Australia's flower growers and florists reckons it does. At least half of the fresh-cut flowers sold in Australia are imported, and up to 10 million…

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Rose prices in Thailand double on Valentine’s Day eve

Flower shops in Songkhla started receiving orders for flower bouquets on the eve of Valentine’s Day despite the prices of roses being doubled from those of last year. The increase in rose prices was partly a result of lower supplies due to cold weather in the North. Flower shops prepared thousands of…

US (FL): The third annual Bloom Together WFFSA after party

For the third consecutive year, Above All Flowers and New Bloom Solutions will host the official "Bloom Together After Party" in collaboration with WF&FSA's Floral…

Guatemala: "Roses continue to conquer on Valentine's Day"

Like the world of fashion, 2023 trends also play an important role for flowers, especially on Valentine's Day where, according to the Ornamental Plants, Flowers, and Foliage Commission, around 8 million roses are exported from Guatemala to countries like the United States, Costa Rica, and Salvador. For…

"Ecuador's unpredictable weather has been the major challenge this year, but all in all, we are very pleased"

"Ecuador's unpredictable weather has been the major challenge this year, but all in all, we are very pleased", says Michelle Jibaja of Rosaprima, Ecuador's largest premium rose grower who recently expanded their assortment with Ranunculus and Anemones. Valentine's Day is one of their largest holidays,…

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Nepal: Government bans import of roses on the eve of Valentine's Day

On the eve of Valentine's Day, the government has decided to ban the import of fresh roses from abroad. The Ministry of Agriculture issued a notice and decided to stop the import permit of rose flowers. The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center under the ministry issued a notice on Thursday…

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California Farm Bureau says floral sales soar as Valentine's Day nears

A pandemic-related boom, driven by people beautifying their living spaces while stuck at home, has tapered slightly. But industry experts say a new-found emphasis on self-care continues to boost demand, while the upcoming Valentine’s Day promises its usual bump in sales. “It’s already busy,” Sherry…

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US (FL): "Price of showing love with flowers goes up"

Making holiday arrangements over the past Christmas season is a big business for florists, but when it comes to expressing love, nothing compares to Valentine's Day. "It's the busiest delivery day of the year, of course, and we bring in drivers to assist us," said Michael Cherry, owner of Hayes Florist.…

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Fragrant Valentine's Day to bring bloom to Hong Kong businesses

Hong Kong is awaiting a business income spike on Valentine's Day across catering, wholesaling, and floral products, with most Covid-19 curbs in the city scrapped out, said industry veterans. "I estimate the turnover back to 85 to 90 percent of what it was before the pandemic and to reach HK$350 million…

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China: Asia's leading flower market blossoms as consumption recovers rapidly

Livestreamers and merchants start their work early in the morning at the bustling Dounan Flower Market in the city of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers for sale. "I introduce flowers at the market to my audience on live-streaming platforms, and I also…

Colombia’s blooming flower industry offers safety net to Venezuelan migrants

For Colombia’s flower industry, Valentine’s Day is the highlight of the year, with exports to over 100 countries and millions of harvested flowers across greenhouses scattered across the country. The Valentine’s Day harvest represents 15% of Colombia’s annual flower exports, with some 5.7 billion flowers…

Nepal takes a stand against 'imported love', and bans roses from India and China ahead of Valentine's Day

The government of Nepal has banned the import of fresh roses from countries like India and China ahead of Valentine's Day, according to a recent media report. The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center under the Ministry of Agriculture, in a recent notification, directed the subordinate border…

Bangladesh: Savar rose farmers eye massive sale

The Birulia Union at Savar is known as Golap Gram or the village of roses because rose gardening has become the primary income source for most of the residents in the last…

More Dutch ditch roses for Valentine's Day; Flower orders down slightly but prices rise

Even in this time of high inflation, residents of the Netherlands continue to buy flowers to surprise their loved ones on Valentine's Day. However, people are more often buying flowers other than roses this year, said flower arrangement platforms Topbloemen.nl and Fleurop. Flowers have risen in price…

US: Inflation is the thorn on this year's Valentine's Day roses

Switching gears now. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and Americans will spend about $26 billion on dinner, chocolates, wine, and, of course, roses. It will be hard to escape the red rose for the next few days. They will be everywhere. But these little blooms have been on a big journey. And as…

Kenyan flower vendors hopeful for Valentine's Day windfall despite inflationary pressures

Peris Njeri, a middle-aged florist, cut a jolly demeanor as she neatly arranged succulent red roses at her stall in the city market in the bustling downtown sections of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Counting three decades in the flower business, Njeri has always looked forward to Valentine's day with…

US (FL): UF economists estimate greenhouse losses from Hurricane Ian at $195.4 million

After months of gathering and analyzing data, University of Florida economists have refined the estimate of agricultural losses due to Hurricane Ian: $1.03 billion. This number is an estimate of the total value of seasonal crops, livestock, nursery, and aquaculture products that will not be harvested or…

Soutth Africa: 75% of Valentine’s Day roses at Checkers are locally sourced

This Valentine’s Day, 75% of the roses for sale at Checkers supermarkets are sourced locally from farms in Mpumalanga and Free State, shopriteholdings.co.za reports. Due to the budding growth of Flower Co. – a department within Freshmark, the Shoprite Group’s procurement and distribution arm for fresh…

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AU: “The cost of roses has dropped slightly this year"

The Brisbane Flower Market will ‘rose’ to the occasion this Valentine’s Day during the month of love to ensure they have the very freshest flowers and the biggest range in Brisbane. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and great growing conditions this year, roses are set to be in high demand over…

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India: It’s bloom time for Karnataka’s flower sector

As thousands of buyers seek red roses to fill bouquets and multicolored ones to decorate wedding venues, Karnataka, the top producer of roses in India, has more than doubled the production of the flower in 2022 to 1,71,880 tonnes against 76,910 tonnes in 2018, according to data from the Agricultural and…

"Flower Valentine' is becoming a culture in Japan as well"

Valentine's Day in Japan used to be celebrated with chocolate, but nowadays, due to the efforts of the Flowering Japan Council, it is also a flower holiday. Nobu Kaishita of Chrysal Japan Limited explains how it changed over the years, and how 'Flowers Valentine' is now becoming a culture in Japan as…

The ever-changing landscape of the garden industry

The horticulture container industry has seen exponential growth in the grower and retail segments – driven by the insatiable demand from consumers to beautify their outdoor spaces during the recent global pandemic. While the need for plant containers was encouraging for the garden industry over the last…

Colombia: "High demand, but lower production due to dry weather”

"Demand for our hydrangeas was high, but pre-bookings came in late, and production was a challenge", says Catalina Arango of Flores Del Este when reflecting on Valentine's Day 2023. The hydrangea is not the typical Valentine's Day flower, but since the pandemic, they have seen the demand increase for…

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US (HI): Ag Dept accepting applications for Specialty Crop grants program

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Market Development Branch is currently accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) Fiscal Year 2023. The HDOA will be awarding a total of approximately $450,000 to Hawai‘i proposals that enhance the competitiveness of Hawai‘i…

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Why Valentine’s won’t be a bed of roses for flower firms

Economic weakness in Europe and a jump in cargo charges have hit flower firms that were anticipating good returns this Valentine’s season, with most of the companies expected to sell roses locally to avoid the exorbitant cost of freight. Scheduled freighters out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are…

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US: The impact of inflation and weather on Valentine's Day flowers

It's coming up; the one special day of the year specifically designed for you to tell that special person exactly what you think about them. And the pressure's on, and not just for those celebrating the day of love with their significant other. Valentine's Day is one of The Floral Cottage's busiest days…

"2022 was a prominent year for strengthening sustainability, reuniting, and promoting Flowers of Colombia"

For the Colombian flower growers, 2022 was marked by strengthening a sustainable activity that generates decent and formal employment, welfare for its communities and workers, and inspiring experiences for the consumers and processes involving top-quality standards of social, economic, and environmental…

Ecuador's flower industry eyes Canada as a market with potential

Ecuador’s flower industry is seeking to recover from at least three shocks in 2022, and a trade agreement with Canada could help them. Canada is currently the fifth market for Ecuadorian flowers. A trade agreement between the two countries could increase exports from the floriculture sector to that…

US: Flowers still in top 3 gifts for Valentine's Day

Consumers are expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine's Day this year, up from $23.9 billion in 2022 and one of the highest spending years on record, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. When talking about flowers, they are…

NL: Horticulture around Emmen offered new employment after decline in peat labor

Anyone driving just past Emmen will encounter a sizeable glasshouse horticultural area. Promotion Group Horticulture Emmen reminisces on how the greenhouse horticulture area came into being. Horticulture in the north of the Netherlands came about at the initiative of the municipality of Emmen. In the…

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Tulip trading laws: How the craze impacted Holland

Inflation soared in Holland as daily necessities and the industry of the nation were completely swept aside by the craze for tulips. The tulip trade became so huge that a code of laws specific to the trading of tulips was drawn up. While the bigger cities had a proper location to conduct the trade of…

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Valentine’s day: How much Aussies plan to spend?

It’s that time of the year again when restaurants are filled with loved-up couples, and florists have a field day. Valentine’s Day is approaching, but Aussies are planning to cut back this year. One in five (20 percent) of Aussies have said they would be spending less on their significant other this…

Laredo District in Texas is number 1 for US-Mexico agricultural trade

Fueled by produce shipments traveling via trucks and rail, the Laredo customs district was the top U.S.-Mexico border port of entry (POE) for agricultural trade from January…

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Iran: Flowers and ornamental plants production plans inaugurated in Lorestan

Two projects for the production of flowers and ornamental plants were inaugurated in Khorram-Abad County, in Lorestan province. One of the projects was inaugurated in Daraee Village in the presence of Lorestan governor-general and some of his deputies. This project was implemented in an area of 3,200…

Guyana: Persons with disabilities can support the growing fresh flower industry, government complaints system

President Dr. Irfaan Ali says that the government hopes to empower more persons with disabilities and provide greater job opportunities for them, and in doing so, he believes they can support the country’s growing fresh flower industry. The President, during a recent visit to the various construction…

‘Brexit is making inflation worse for the UK’

Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann has issued her opinions on the Brexit debate, blaming UK’s departure from the European Union for adding to inflation. Mann is a US…

UK: House of Lords Inquiry “significant step in acknowledging importance of Environmental Horticulture”

A new House of Lords Select Committee has been established to launch an inquiry into the Horticultural Sector and will convene this week in a move welcomed by the…

Inflation won't stop Belgians from buying flowers, florists say

The sale of flowers for Valentine’s Day should not suffer too much from rising energy prices and inflation, the Royal Union of Florists of Belgium, URFB, told Belga News Agency. Although it is still too early to establish a trend, URFB Director Koen Van Malderen expects good sales. Belgians are less…