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Video length: 4 min
Netherlands: behind the scenes of the flower market
Netherlands: behind the scenes of the flower market
(France 2)
The world’s largest flower exchange is located in the suburbs of Amsterdam, Netherlands. In France, 80% of bouquets sold come from this city.
In most French shops, it is difficult to find the origin of the flowers. Florists have no traceability obligation. Thus, 80% of bouquets sold in France come from the town of Aalsmeer (Netherlands). Located in the suburbs of Amsterdam, it is the largest flower exchange in the world. Tens of millions of roses, carnations and tulips change hands every day. By traveling in refrigerated trucks, flowers can be sent to any country.
Flowers with a high carbon footprint
Auctions are announced in Dutch. At the same time, wholesalers buy and prices are displayed on the rod. The Netherlands also produces flowers and sells 20 million stems of chrysanthemums each year. The young shoots come from Africa. “It’s much more profitable there. After 11 weeks, they are ready to be cut here”, explains Yarick Leeuwis, chrysanthemum grower (Lewis Flowers). Prices fluctuate according to demand. These flowers from all over the world have a high carbon footprint.
