Veiling Rhein-Maas' product sales at the end of the third quarter of 2024 currently total EUR 331 million, almost reaching the high level of the previous year. Just like in the first two quarters, Veiling Rhein-Maas' business performance in the past three months was characterized by good average prices and a slightly lower product range across all sales channels. "Despite the challenging weather conditions in the crucial second quarter, our product sales are almost at the same level as last year. We are therefore optimistic about the final months of 2024. For the coming year, we are counting on the potential of our marketplace being realized even further thanks to the slightly more favorable weather conditions overall. We have also used the last few months with the changes around Hall N intensively to push ahead with our 'Standort 2025' project," explains Günther Esser and Cees Hoekstra, Managing Directors of Veiling Rhein-Maas.
Sales situation
Sales of cut flowers at auction at the end of the 3rd quarter were slightly higher than in the previous year. This is because lower volumes were offset by stable, good demand. This resulted in high average prices and higher sales than in the previous year. In September, the volume of cut flowers delivered was lower than in the previous year, especially for roses. This was due to the unusual course of the rainy season in East Africa. This resulted in higher average prices for roses than in the previous year.
There were few changes in the auctioning of potted plants in the 3rd quarter compared to previous quarters. Overall, the number of items sold was slightly higher than in the previous year and the high average prices helped sales to almost match the previous year's level. Due to the summer temperatures which lasted until almost the end of September, the changeover from summer to autumn products was slower than usual this year. As a result, demand for typical autumn products such as good quality chrysanthemum bushes and cyclamen has been somewhat lower over recent months. Overall, however, the pot plant year at the auction is performing similarly well to 2023.
Sales via digital channels - remote buying, clock pre-sales, and webshop - remain stable at the high level of previous months. More than half of Veiling Rhein-Maas' customers now take part in the auction online and therefore from outside the region.
Site Changes
The additional space in Hall N, which was taken over by Veiling Rhein-Maas, increases the scope for implementing the 'Standort 2025' strategy, which aims to make the marketplace in Straelen-Herongen more attractive for the future. In the meantime, the Import Department and Service Centre have moved to Hall N. Despite the move, both departments have managed to ensure the continuity of their processes while maintaining production and ordering without interruption. With its 10,000 square meters of space, the new hall opens up more possibilities and potential for both departments to offer customers and suppliers even better service from Hall N. The space in Halls L and M freed up by the move will be re-rented and gradually taken over by the respective renting customers over the coming months.
Further development of the Veiling Rhein-Maas portal
New functions for suppliers have been added to the Veiling Rhein-Maas portal. Since October, the portal has been available to suppliers of potted plants as the sole channel for submitting their delivery notifications. In addition, clock pre-sales prices and - if desired – grower minimum prices can be set in the portal. The portal also contains documents such as weekly statements, daily results, and so on, which can be viewed or downloaded.
Customer and Supplier Day on 14 January 2025
The next Veiling Rhein-Maas Customer and Supplier Day will take place on 14 January 2025 in Straelen-Herongen. The event has become a popular industry platform for sharing information, drawing inspiration, and exchanging opinions. It's also a great opportunity for a friendly get-together at the beginning of the year. The focus of the Customer and Supplier Day 2025 will be the very first election of the Customers and Suppliers of the Year.
Trade fair activities
On 22 August 2024, Veiling Rhein-Maas attended Florall in Waregem, the trade fair for ornamental plants and tree nursery plants in Belgium. Many successful discussions were held there with existing and potential partners. Veiling Rhein-Maas' next trade fair appearance will be from 5 to 7 November 2024 at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer in the Netherlands, where they will have their own stand.
Source: Veiling Rhein-Maas.