In Romania, the month of March marks not only the celebration of Women's Day on March 8 but also the traditional "Martisor" celebration on March 1, a tribute to the start of spring, making March the best month for the flower business in Romania. An analysis by the company Frames shows that women make a significant contribution to this business.
According to Frames, the flower industry in Romania could reach an all-time record this year of more than 3.5 billion RON (700 million EUR), based on the significant increase in sales and the diversification of the business in this sector. For the vast majority of florists, March 1 and 8 represent the peak of sales, with business valued at more than 30 million euros.
Flower bouquets
At an average price of 80 RON (16 EUR), if at least half of the women receive a bouquet of flowers during this period, a simple calculation shows that more than 2 million bouquets will be sold. Sales recorded by florists could exceed 162.5 million RON, or 32.5 million EUR. According to data from the National Statistics Institute (NSI), there were 4,063,000 women aged between 15 and 49 in 2023 (41.4% of the total female population). The estimate considers that more than 90% of flowers are sold in the city.
"Compared to previous years, the average price of a bouquet of flowers has increased significantly, from 40 RON (8 EUR) in 2020 to 80 RON this year (16 EUR). There are, of course, cheaper bouquets, especially of carnations and hyacinths, but also bouquets and floral arrangements that cost hundreds of lei and are sold by specialized firms," the NSI reports.
The value of flower sales on March 1 and March 8 is similar to last year's, as the fall in purchasing power will lead many customers to opt for cheaper flower bouquets. Over 2025 as a whole, however, flower and plant sales will most likely reach a new all-time high of more than 3.5 billion RON (700 million EUR).
It seems that the Romanian flower and ornamental plant market is maturing. Offers have greatly diversified, and flowers are now sold in significant quantities in hypermarkets. This positive development is also true for ornamental plants, not just cut flowers, which are recording a positive trend in sales in all shops. In other words, for many Romanians, having at least one ornamental plant in the house has become a pleasant habit," says Adrian Negrescu, Frames manager.
The Romanian flower business
Statistics from the Trade Register and the Ministry of Finance show that the number of firms active in the flower business has tripled from 2021 to the present, increasing from 3,111 firms to 9,067 today. Their business has grown substantially, from 2.2 billion RON (440 million EUR) in 2021 to 2.87 billion RON (574 million EUR) in 2023. In 2025, preliminary data indicate that, due to inflation, the diversification of offerings, and especially the increase in consumption, the business will reach the 3.5 billion RON mark (700 million EUR).
By comparison, 10 years ago, the business of companies in the sector barely exceeded 401 million RON (80 million EUR). The sector's profits have increased from 29 million RON (5.8 million EUR) in 2014 to 207.3 million RON (41.5 million EUR) in 2023. In 2025, Frames analysts expect a profit of over 300 million RON (60 million EUR).
The more than 9,000 firms currently registered employ over 6,000 employees, double the number from 10 years ago. Most specialized firms are located in Bucharest (1,722), Ilfov (429), Cluj (413), Iasi (344), and Constanta (336).
Among the most important players in the flowers and other plants trade are Diva Sol SRL, Agroland Business System SA, Pet Network Europe SRL, and Spic Agro SRL.
"Apart from the large flower importers (importing mostly from the Netherlands), the vast majority of companies in the flower sector in Romania belong to the micro and small enterprise category, with an average of 2 employees, an average turnover of 964,000 RON (193,000 EUR), and an average profit of 150,000 RON (30,000 EUR).
The vast majority of the companies in this field are micro-enterprises operating in the area of retail sale of flowers. They are firms that have kiosks on street corners or own small commercial premises. For many of them, March is the peak of sales, generating, of course, the highest profit," according to the Frames analysis.
Flower assortment
On March 1 and March 8, the best-selling flowers are spring flowers, especially hyacinths and freesias. However, 2025 may see increased interest from Romanians in roses and snowdrops. Roses are popular because the supply is higher than ever and the price has remained relatively stable, while snowdrops are appealing due to their low price and, in the context of the February snowfall, their symbolic representation of the coming of spring.
"As the weather has been unfavorable, imported flowers will likely lead the market, as some varieties have become cheaper than those from local production. Many Romanian producers are strongly affected by rising logistical costs, with gas, electricity to heat the greenhouses, and transportation being more expensive than last year," adds Negrescu. "Unfortunately, as greenhouse costs have risen, many producers have given up and moved into the flower import business," he added.
Beyond these trends, as in previous years, there is significant demand for special bouquets accompanied by gifts, which are mainly sold online. "Online offers of flowers and gifts are at the forefront, with the development of fast courier services and card payment, including interest-free installments, significantly boosting this niche market in urban areas," the Frames analysis states.
Frames' analysis of the flower market business in Romania was based on the financial data reported by companies with CAEN (economic activity) codes 4622 (wholesale trade of flowers and plants) and 4776 (retail trade of flowers, plants, and seeds) to the Ministry of Finance for the year 2023, statistical data on the dynamics of companies from the Trade Register, and information from the National Institute of Statistics. The estimates for March 1 and March 8 sales in 2025 belong to Frames and were based on discussions with companies in the sector.
Source: Agroberichten Buitenland