As the new year began, auctioneers faced the challenge of sustaining reasonable prices, especially with the impact of cold weather on the European flower and plant trade. Flowers Luus Hooyman, Edwin Chrispijn, and Erik Wassenaar, representing the FloraHolland auction, emphasized the importance of their expertise in navigating these challenges.
Luus Hooyman, one of the auctioneers, highlighted the success of houseplants at the start of the year. However, adverse weather conditions placed a temporary hold on the trade of other plants and flowers, requiring diligent efforts to keep prices at a reasonable level. Hooyman emphasized the unique efficiency of the FloraHolland auction system, where 8000 trolleys are processed within 6 hours, ensuring a swift delivery to their final destinations. The cooperative’s proven track record over the last century demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach.
As February unfolds, the anticipation of Valentine’s Day brings positive news for auctioneers. Hooyman noted a recent uptick in prices for various auction groups, citing the example of Gypsophila, which had been under pressure in previous weeks. Bulb flowers, known for their resilience in colder weather, are also in demand, particularly appreciated by street-side shops.
Sales for tulips, daffodils, muscari, and hyacinths are flourishing, with hyacinth growers making notable contributions to charitable causes. Hooyman shared that on January 26, hyacinth growers auctioned their products to benefit Aya’s, an initiative supporting youngsters with cancer. This charitable effort, conducted through the auction clocks, has been successfully ongoing for the past decade, showcasing the versatility and impact of the auction system in supporting various causes.