Looking back at August 2024, the floriculture industry showcased remarkable innovation and adaptability, driven by sustainability efforts and evolving market trends. In Colombia, advancements ranged from sustainable rose breeding to greenhouse expansions, while growers like Capiro embracing sea freight for more eco-friendly exports. Kenya also made strides, focusing on transitioning cut rose exports to Europe via sea freight.
Meanwhile, trade shows such as Plantarium | Groen-Direkt and the Farwest Show highlighted key trends, from new varieties to environmental initiatives. Experts emphasized the cognitive and environmental benefits of flowers, underscoring the sector's commitment to a greener future.
Significant business developments also marked the month. Jim Milgard, owner and CEO of Continental, reflected on leasing Sun Valley Farms: "It came down to the right fit, as the products and the farms blend so well into our existing product lines and what we do." This strategic move highlighted the importance of alignment in enhancing operational efficiency and meeting market demands.
However, the industry faced seasonal challenges. Dutch flower traders noted an unusually quiet summer, with one remarking, "Trade is pretty much at a standstill these weeks." The typically slow holiday period felt even more subdued, reflecting ongoing fluctuations in demand.
Laura Fajardo, De Ruiter Colombia on the 'Be Sweet' variety
"The market is increasingly open to new developments in colors, shapes and openings"
Danziger launches new propagation and rooting area in Colombia
"Nowadays, promoting the benefits of trees, flowers and plants is both an opportunity and a challenge"
Richard de Boer (Hans Visser Flowers) and Joost Petri (Starline Flowers)
NL: "Trade is pretty much at a standstill these weeks"
A Colombian chrysanthemum grower's transition to sea freight export
'Sailing towards sustainability'
Richard McGonnel, Naivasha Horticultural Fair
"There are probably 4-5 million small scale farms that can develop a lot"
Beth Farmer, Oregon Association of Nurseries
"The Farwest Show addresses industry trends by offering targeted seminars and showcases"
"A lot of growers think that when they swap to another bedding pack, they have to switch machinery too"
Online Public Auction of agricultural equipment from Sun Valley Floral Farms
On dahlias, weddings and soaring tulip prices
Jim Milgard on leasing Sun Valley Farms
"It was the right fit"
Joost Bongaerts, Florabundance, on the latest trends in the world of wedding florals
"Trends shift with the seasons, and the demand for innovation is ever-present"
Photo report Plantarium | Groen-Direkt 2024
Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair of International Floriculture at Texas A&M University:
"Growers need to distribute benefits of flowers to consumers"
Rabobank expects that Kenyan cut rose exports to Europe will be increasingly transported over sea
Alberta and Saskatchewan growers gather to explore new varieties, and plan for 2025