Dutch auctioneer Paul Freriks says there is increased demand for fall flowers, whereas, in plants, the warm weather is causing some disruption. Here, he explains why advising and getting growers started is so rewarding.
"The current warm weather doesn't suggest it is fall, and many trees still have plenty of leaves. The rose bush in my garden, though, has had hips for a while now, so it is, indeed, fall," Paul begins.
Most fall products well well-appreciated
"At auction, supply and demand for fall products and shades has been increasing for some time. Things like ornamental fruits, rose hips, and cut hydrangeas are available in a nice, wide range and are well appreciated. A few products, for example, ornamental apple branches (Malus branches) and cut skimmia, are having a somewhat more difficult start to the season."
"With plants, there's a slight stagnation after a good start. The (too) nice weather is disrupting things. There's somewhat less demand at auction, while there's considerable supply. Prices are, thus, reasonable rather than good or high. Flowering houseplants (such as potted gerberas and roses) and green plants are fetching moderate to low prices. Consumers don't want these products as much. Demand, though, is increasing again for orange products and pot chrysanthemums," says Paul.
Helping growers on their way
"One of the nice things we, as auctioneers, get - and love - to do, post-auction, is to give business advice to our growers. We're on top of the (auction) market, so naturally, you see and hear a lot. Every day, we see why some products fetch more than others. We have a sound understanding of who does and doesn't make good use of certain (collective and paid) Royal FloraHolland services. As a result, in many cases, auctioneers know what can be improved, sales-wise, to achieve higher prices."
"Besides a flower or plant's quality, that sometimes depends on other things—for example, packaging, the type of container, or its contents. Also, the quantities per day, which days of the week you supply, or using services likeClocknews all play a role in achieving optimal pricing. Advising and helping growers isn't only enjoyable; it offers much gratitude in return. That always energizes me," Paul concludes.
Do you want to exchange ideas with or have questions for an auctioneer? Please get in touch with the auctioneer at your location; they are happy to help.
Are you a buyer or supplier and want to know more about auction sales or purchasing? Please phone the Royal FloraHolland's Customer Contact Center at +31 (0) 887 898 989 and ask to speak to an auctioneer or account manager. They will happily show you around the world of flowers and plants personally.