Dutch flower exports up 5% to €2.5 billion in 2024 thanks to Eastern Europe orders

The Dutch export of flowers grew by five percent in the first half of 2024 to a worth of 2.5 billion euros, the Flower and Plant Exporters' Association, VGB, reported. The number of flowers sold was mainly unchanged in the year's first quarter compared to 2023. According to VGB director Matthijs Mesken, exports to Eastern European countries have resulted in an increase in the sector.

Export of plants dropped by one percent to 1.6 billion euros in the first half of the year despite a two percent growth in the first quarter of 2024. The wet weather conditions were a reason for the drop in demand for plants, according to the VGB. They also added that the supply of flowers from Africa and summer flowers from the Netherlands also suffered from the wet weather.

In total, the export value of flowers and plants grew in the first six months of 2024 by 2.5 percent to 4.1 billion euros. Mesken said this is good news for the sector as the export value of flowers and plants had declined for seven quarters in a row until last year.

Mesken said the growth differences between flowers and plants, specialist trade, and the retail segment are significant. For example, export turnover to supermarkets increased by nine percent, which has not happened to this extent since the coronavirus period.

VGB also hopes that a new deal can be struck with the new British Labour government so that the export of flowers and plants to Great Britain can normalize. Since Brexit, the sector has had many issues with exporting to the United Kingdom.

The association said it is important that the VAT rates on flowers and plants stay low in the Netherlands.

Mesken also points out the importance of migrant workers and housing for them in the sector. "All in all, it brings uncertain times, and we have to deal with that," said Mesken.