"Last year, the contracts were already signed in December. This year, however, nothing is sold in advance. Therefore, our only option remaining was the auction." Besides that, sending a pallet to Russia is very expensive. "The disbud chrysanthemum has a large volume and sending a pallet to Russia costs 2000 Euro."
According to Koek, the main reason for these low prices is the depreciation in the currency value of the Rouble and the financial situation in Russia. "Therefore, the Russians are looking for flowers with lower prices. Usually, the quality chrysanthemums of 85 are very popular. This year, however, more chrysanthemums of 65-70 grams and 40cm Kenyan roses were sold.
Luckily, the prices of the tulips remain quite stable. The logical reason is their smaller size. "Instead of 11 tulips (always uneven numbers) they buy 7 tulips, which still makes a good looking bouquet" explains Koek. According to Koek, we have to accept this situation and get used to it. "The situation has changed and will not improve in the short-term. The Russians need to choose between food or flowers. Next year, it will hopefully stabilize. In the end, the situation will improve, but this might take a couple of years" concludes Koek.
For more information:
Arnold Koek
P&B International
Email: [email protected]
www.premierenblenheim.nl
