If you’re having trouble getting the roses you’re used to – you’re not alone. Ask any industry grower about rose production and they’ll tell you it’s down at least 40% from a year ago. The coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on the $8.5 billion global cut flower industry. Many farms in Colombia and Ecuador have suffered major losses as a result of the pandemic.
Rose production, which would have been at an all-time high this Spring in preparation for Mother’s Day sales and wedding season, is down because many farmers worldwide were forced to waste their product in March and April. This threw off the growing season for roses, which takes 70-90 days. The result – some roses we're used to getting now will be delayed until late Summer and early Fall. We are also seeing a disruption in the growing season with other products as well.
According to a recent article in The World, some 400 million flowers were destroyed this Spring in the Netherlands, the hub of the global flower industry and shipments from Ecuador, where roses are the largest export, were significantly down.
As we experience a slow recovery in the flower industry, the demand for roses is outweighing the supply. What does that mean for wholesalers and retailers in the short-term? Higher than normal prices, smaller roses and less variety on the market.
Industry experts predict production will increase at the end of the summer and prices are expected to normalize once production is back on track. What can you do in the meantime to not break the bank to supply your customers with quality roses?
· Be flexible - try a variety you don’t normally carry.
· If you can, buy shorter roses in quantity - by the box. Most growers package a variety of roses in a single box (usually 200-350 stems). Roses bought by the box generally cost less.
· Commit to a standing order quantity (100 stems+) each week to hold the pricing down and secure the type of rose you’ll get.
Supply and demand are a delicate dance in our industry, but our growers foresee rose production getting back to normal within the next month. Until then, patience and flexibility will be our best defense.
“Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the
way things turn out.”
– John Wooden
Courtesy of Alkavat Roses - "Carmela"
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