Autumn has started, and you can tell right away by the temperatures and the trees with their discoloured and falling leaves. It is also noticeable in the trade, as the autumn colours can again be found at the wholesalers. This is also the case at Agora Group in Aalsmeer, where Ronald van Norde is involved in purchasing flowers.
Some autumn bestsellers
Rising, but also falling prices
"This month it was quite noticeable that we still had quite a few weddings and events, which of course include flowers. As a result, prices were also a lot higher. Flowers are not cheap at the moment, and I would dare to say that prices are still rising every day," he says. "There is currently a bit more supply from imports again, but weather conditions abroad have also affected production. Many flowers from Dutch soil have been lost this season and therefore they are not cheap."
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of flowers coming from Dutch soil, says Ronald. "At the moment, Limonium is fairly Dutch in terms of supply with a bit of import, and the chrysanthemums are only Dutch. Also, the prices of these product groups are not too bad. If we look at the Kenyan roses, that price is also getting lower again because there is more supply. There are still many flowers that do have remarkably high prices, such as Lisianthus and lilies. Summer flowers are always popular but also scarce, which also makes for higher prices."
Some more bestsellers with autumn shades
Autumn shades
"Now that autumn has started, we are seeing plenty of berry shrubs again. We also see a lot of squashed chrysanthemums and dyed-through hydrangeas in beautiful autumn shades. It is also noticeable that in autumn there is more demand for more colored flowers such as orange and red. Moreover, Oak leaves and different types of grasses are always popular at this time of year."
Popular cut hydrangeas
And whether there are any challenges? "In the coming period, the main challenge will be to get enough supply, because a lot goes directly and no longer through the auction. We have to start working ahead to get produce every day."
For more information:
Agora Group
[email protected]
www.agoragroup.com