The IFTF is in its second day, talks and meetings are ongoing and smiles are everywhere. However, behind the smiles, there are worries. So far, it has been quite a challenging year for the industry with many growers dealing with several external factors affecting their production and demand. When talking to the growers at the show, we hear that the weather, freight, and the political and economic situation are among the main factors that have an impact on production, costs, and demand.
Weather conditions
We hear from the Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Kenyan growers that this year's weather affected the production: "We expect 15-25% less flowers due to the large amounts of rain," says a Colombian flower producer. In Kenya the rain caused problems with the False codling moth, a native pest which is categorized as a quarantine pest by the European Union (EU). In Ecuador, the rain and cold were lowering the production earlier this year. Due to cutting back the crop and the long summer (the longest in five years) volumes increased, resulting in an oversupply.
Freight capacity
Freight capacity and costs is a particular challenge in Kenya, but we also hear that Ecuadorian growers shipping to Europe are dealing with this problem. On top of that there is not enough sea freight due to the current situation in the Red Sea, another Kenyan grower shares. This worries some growers when looking ahead to Valentine's Day.
Economic and political situation
And of course the economic and political situations around the world are factors to take into account. Kenyan growers expect that tax increases will increase their costs. And the elections in the US are also worrying the flower industry. What will happen afterward? What will the dollar do? Will the consumer continue to keep spending money on flowers?
Next year?
So what about next year? Answers are mixed. Valentine's Day will be the first and biggest holiday of 2025. For many growers, it "has to be" a good holiday. Many farms are already preparing their crop for this holiday and many orders are in already. But will it be better compared to this year, they have to see.
Stay tuned for more news as the FloralDaily team is running around and making their traditional photo report.
Some of the exhibitors we met today:
David Espinosa and Nataliya Pykanova of Sofi Farms, this Ecuadorian rose farm celebrating their second year of their company and are exhibiting ar the IFTF for the second time.
A new rose, Radiant Rebecca was baptized by Rebecca Kotut, owner of Karen Roses. In the picture together with Rosa Eskelund (Roses Forever), and Andrew Wambua, managing director of Mzurrie Flowers where Viking roses has their test house.
The Meilland team in front of a tree full of Alina perfumella
Sylvia van Uden and Branimir Curcic from Weber Vacuum Group presenting their vacuum cooling solutions.