The Netherlands and Germany tightened their lockdowns and according to Royal FloraHolland, the consequences can clearly be seen in the first two days of this week. However, to date, the effect has been less severe than during the first announcement of lockdown in March 2020, they report in their Market Update.
"On Monday 14th December and Tuesday 15th December, the number of units sold on the Royal FloraHolland clock were 10.6% and 7.9% lower than last year respectively. Differences can be seen in the number of units sold per main group, with fewer indoor plants supplied on December 15: cut flowers (Monday -10.7% and yesterday -7.0%), indoor plants (Monday -0.5%, yesterday -24.5%) and garden plants (-36.7% and -12.2%)."
According to the auction, the reason that more cut flowers have been supplied, perhaps has to do with the less strict measures for florists compared to garden centres. "The middle price on the clock is 27.1% lower this week with 30 cents compared to Monday and Tuesday the same week last year. The average turnaround this week so far is 5.0%. Last week it was 1.0%."
"In direct trade, the supply yesterday was 20.7% lower than last year, yesterday it was 3.0% lower."
Corona measures for ornamental horticulture in the Netherlands
On Monday December 14, Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the lockdown in the Netherlands. The new measures entered into force yesterday, December 14, and will last until at least January 18th. All physical shops selling nonessential goods need to close their doors, including florists. However, they continue selling their flowers, but outdoors, outside the shop. This will be at least until Christmas, and talks are currently taking place regarding the period after, says Marco Maase, director of florist trade association VWB in a YouTube video right after the announcement by the Dutch PM.
Corona measures for ornamental horticulture in Germany
The new measures in Germany will enter into force on Wednesday 16th December 2020 and will last at least until 10th January 2021. Chancellor Merkel announced, among other things, that non-essential shops will have to be closed. Shops for food and essential products will remain open, such as supermarkets.
"It is not yet entirely clear what it will mean for the sale of flowers and plants, as each state will be able to take autonomous decisions. The parliaments of the various states are deciding on this on December 15," Royal FloraHolland says.
"For the important federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, there is already clarity on the sale of flowers and plants. Points of sale of perishable goods, such as flowers and plants, may remain open there. Florists and garden centres may therefore remain open. There are, however, restrictions on the sale of hardware (non-perishable goods). Wholesalers may also remain active. DIY stores are closed to private individuals and are only accessible to the professional market. Online sales will of course continue to be possible (including for physically closed shops), if goods are collected without contact."
For more information on the situation internationally, click here for the international market development, by Royal FloraHolland
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