In the autumn months of 2023, the cumulative export value of flowers and plants from the Netherlands demonstrated resilience, remaining just 4% lower than the previous year. This steady performance follows exceptional years in 2021 and 2022. According to data published by Floridata on behalf of the Association of Wholesalers in Flower Nursery Products (VGB), the cumulative export values for both cut flowers and plants were slightly lower compared to the same period in 2022, with a 4.5% decline for cut flowers and a 3.1% decrease for plants. Nevertheless, the figures reflect an overall positive trend, showing a 13% increase when compared to the long-term average.
Meanwhile, export data from the Royal Floraholland auction indicates a decrease of over 6% in turnover for cut flowers grown in the Netherlands during the first 11 months of 2023 compared to the previous year. This decline can be attributed to a reduction in the number of cut flowers sold (-5.2%) and a slight decrease in the average price of flowers (-1%). Notably, turnover experienced a dip in September and November, while October witnessed a performance almost on par with the previous year.
Conversely, the cumulative turnover of potted plants from Dutch soil at the Royal Floraholland auction remained relatively stable, fluctuating around the same level as in 2022, with a marginal increase of 0.6% in November. The average price increase compared favorably to the volume decrease of 3.5% until November 2023. September and November saw lower turnover, primarily due to reduced supply. However, October marked a 7% higher turnover, driven by increased supply and prices compared to the same period in 2022.
In the garden plant sector, turnover at the Royal Floraholland flower auction exhibited variability during the autumn months of 2023. While turnover was lower in September and November compared to the previous year, October saw an increase. The first 11 months of 2023 reported an overall growth of 6.5% in turnover compared to the same period in 2022. Despite a slight decrease in quantities (-2%), the average price showed a notable 9% increase.