Bad weather in several production areas leads to rose shortages

September is the month of the first day of school in Russia and Ukraine, but also for the FlowersExpo in Moscow, Russia. Of course, more happened in this year's September. In this special year overview article, we look back at September 1-15, 2021. We, among others, spoke with Robert Wu of Oboya about the company's turbulent year and how their future looks like, talked with growers and other members in the industry, in Kenya, Colombia and Ecuador, about the bad weather that is affecting the production volumes and we featured a live stream in which it is discussed how the industry is dealing with the rose shortage. Also, the success of a US online flower sourcing company has been highlighted and, of course, a peek at FlowersExpo has been given. 

Vincent Jalink, UPRTek:

“We are helping the increasing demand from growers to do their own LED research”

“Spectrometers used to be about five times as expensive, so it is exciting that growers can now have an affordable, handheld sensor,” says Vincent Jalink, Technical Sales…

Ukraine: First day of school celebrated with even more flowers than before

Yesterday was the first day of school in Ukraine and Russia, which is celebrated with lots of flowers. Traditionally, every child in Russia gives a flower or a bunch of…

Maria Isabel Lopez, Josarflor:

Ecuador: “When some markets closed, other markets opened”

“A fast reaction to the market is important. Therefore, we kept our farms in production as normal, as a way to be prepared. And when some of our markets closed during the…

Robert Wu, Founder of Oboya:

“After Oboya Horticulture Industries Sweden’s bankruptcy, we are focusing on improving our services”

When Oboya Horticulture Industries Sweden announced its bankruptcy on August 16, 2021, the company was met with lots of questions and uncertainties from customers, says Robert…

Recap of the event:

Calendula trials and pollinator research at the International Home Garden Conference

How important is it to help consumers with pollinator-friendly gardening? This, and much more, was discussed at yesterday’s virtual International Home Garden Conference. The… 

Edward Muchiri, Siginon Aviation:

Kenya: “Flower exports are slower because of the bad weather”

“Currently the flower export from Kenya is 9% lower compared to last year, as the bad weather is affecting the farmers,” says Edward Muchiri, Exports Manager of Siginon…

Jose Azout, Alexandra Farms, on trying to keep up with demand

Colombia: Bad weather, scarcity of pesticides and fertilizers, lower production

“Last year we were down to 10% of our sales, and now everything is backwards,” says Jose Azout, owner of Alexandra Farms, Colombian cut garden rose farm. Azout explains how…

Joan Mazat, Ball Ingenuity

US (IL): Shortening the supply chain for independent breeders

“It is difficult for independent breeders to reach an audience and the supply chain. Therefore, it is important for us to connect with independent breeders and bring their…

Behind the marketing of Selecta one’s Mr. LavaLava

“New, unique varieties deserve one-off marketing concepts”

When seen for the first time, some varieties immediately call an image to mind. According to the team of Selecta one, a fiery red verbena, creeping and spreading, recalls the…

Matthias Meilland, Meilland Roses

Breeding roses that are ready for climate change effects

“We are testing our roses in hot places, as we want to provide roses for the future, not just for tomorrow,” says Matthias Meilland of Meilland Roses. In addition,…

Rosy Hardy, Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants:

UK: “To maintain the new gardeners, we need to give them the proper information”

“Sometimes we have to be honest with a gardener and not sell a certain plant to them, as we know it will not survive under their conditions. It is important to give the new…

What is going on with the current rose shortage?

Where did all the roses go? In their recent livestream, John Elstgeest from Flower Circus discussed the topic with Michael Black from Jet Fresh Flowers / Growers, and…

Wilfred de Wit, iBuyFlowers:

US online flower sourcing: “Our sales were growing by 220% the other week”

“We started an online platform in 2017 with which florists can source their flowers faster and fresher than local wholesalers traditionally can,” says Wilfred de Wit, Founder…

Russia: A peek at FlowersExpo 2021 in Moscow

The FlowersExpo in Moscow, Russia, is in full swing. While it might still be challenging for foreign visitors to join, the online format enables the international audience to…