Due to current global developments, the overall market situation in the third quarter of 2022 was difficult. In the context of the uncertain development of energy costs, various suppliers have already suspended the production of energy-intensive products for this winter season. A few suppliers of potted plants have ended their entire operations. On the customer side, a slight reluctance to buy is noticeable, as uncertainties prevail among them as well. These developments also have an impact on the marketplace in Straelen-Herongen. Veiling Rhein-Maas closed the third quarter of 2022 with a product turnover of € 323 million and is thus on target for 2022 but below the previous year's level.
"We are currently all in an uncertain situation, as it is not yet clear what exactly we are facing, for example, in terms of the rising energy costs. We are convinced that we will continue to successfully master the current challenges together with our partners and employees," explain Günther Esser and Cees Hoekstra, Managing Directors of Veiling Rhein-Maas.
Developments in cut flowers and potted plants
The market situation for cut flowers in July was characterized by two weeks of very high temperatures and drought, which affected the available quantities. August and September were again positive for cut flowers in all market channels, with good product sales. Overall, demand was satisfactory throughout and pleasantly stable even during the summer holidays. Regarding potted plants, a restrained customer demand for outdoor products was noticeable in September at the auction. The Clock Service, on the other hand, recorded satisfactory product sales for garden plants. Overall, the price level was lower than in the two previous years but still on target for 2022.
Customer portal
"We are pleased that almost 900 customers are already using the new Veiling Rhein-Maas customer portal, which has been active since 29 June 2022. Various functions are already available to our customers here, for example, access to the transaction overview, clock pre-sales, and our Webshop," say Günther Esser and Cees Hoekstra. "After the successful launch of the customer portal, our project team is working at full speed on the implementation of the second phase. For instance, quality and quantity complaints as well as (logistical) services can be done, ordered, and tracked online via the customer portal in the future."
Redesign of the foyer
The auction room is still the heart of Veiling Rhein-Maas. Every day, many customers come to Straelen-Herongen to purchase on site. To make the marketplace even more attractive, the foyer was redesigned in the third quarter of this year. In addition to a green wall and a moss wall with illuminated logos of Veiling Rhein-Maas and the parent company Landgard, new presentation furniture has been set up, among other things. Therefore the flowers and plants of suppliers can now be presented even better in a modern, green, and appealing environment. In October 2022, for example, there were several product and trend exhibitions highlighting Chrysanthemums, Santini, Lisianthus, and the 20th anniversary of the Straelen-Herongen site. In addition, the redesigned foyer offers various seating options that make it easier for the partners of the marketplace to get in touch with each other.
Personal contact at trade fairs
On 23 August 2022, Veiling Rhein-Maas presented itself at Florall in Waregem (BE), the professional fair for ornamental plants and nursery products in Belgium, in order to increase the international visibility of the auction. The next trade fair participation will be from 9 to 11 November 2022 - the Veiling Rhein-Maas staff is looking forward to meeting existing and potential partners at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer (NL).
For more information:
Veiling Rhein-Maas
[email protected]
www.veilingrheinmaas.com