News » 29.10.2026 - Dutch flower and plant exports under pressure
Exports of cut flowers and plants from the Netherlands came under pressure in the first three quarters of 2026. Total export value reached nearly €5.6 billion, down 1.5% from the same period in 2025. Export volume declined for both flowers and plants. The figures come from Floridata export statistics, released by the Dutch Flower Wholesalers Association (VGB).
Flowers: export value and volume decline
Cut flower exports totaled €3.4 billion through the third quarter, a decrease of just over 2% year on year. Volume fell by 1%. The year began with slight volume growth, but this turned into contraction in the following months. Prices in the rose market are lower, while more distinctive products are performing better.
Plants: initial growth largely gone
Plant exports initially held up better, but growth has largely disappeared here as well. Export value for plants came to nearly €2.2 billion through the third quarter, down 0.6%. Plants started the year strongly, with volume growth of 5% in the first quarter. That growth slowed in the following months and eventually turned into a 1% decline.
Decline in core markets, opportunities in Central Europe
The three largest destination markets all showed a decline. Exports to Germany fell 2.1% through the third quarter. Flowers lost ground, while plants grew. In the United Kingdom, exports declined 1.5%, with plants growing slightly and flowers contracting slightly. France recorded a decline of 1.1%, with both flowers and plants losing ground. Exports to more distant markets, including the United States and the United Arab Emirates, also decreased. By contrast, several Central European countries showed growth.
Uncertainty calls for preparation and cooperation
Alongside the weaker export figures, economic and geopolitical uncertainty is playing a significant role. Developments surrounding international conflicts, energy prices and import tariffs make it difficult for growers and traders to plan ahead.
According to VGB, the sector also needs to be better prepared for potential emergencies. Examples include prolonged outages of digital trading platforms, shortages of diesel or electricity, and disruptions to transport and staff availability. VGB says the sector needs to agree on cooperation and coordination with other industry organizations for crisis situations, so it can respond quickly and in a coordinated way.
Outlook remains uncertain
With one quarter remaining, it is unclear whether export value for the full year 2026 will match the previous year's level. Closing the current 1.5% gap would require a clear improvement in the final quarter.
More information on the figures through the third quarter of 2026 is available in the FloraFlits podcast on YouTube and on Spotify. The episode also looks at the shift from specialty florists to the retail segment over the past six years. Matthijs Mesken (director, VGB) and Wesley van den Berg (manager, Floridata) provide further explanation.
Source: www.floraldaily.com
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