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Flormart wants to be bello again

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Kompas should indicate new path to profitability

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FloraCulture The business magazine for worldwide floriculture

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Table of Contents

November 2013 Volume 23 Number 11

Flormart wants to be bello again Trade shows face tough times to the point that organisers feel the need to share their views. Paolo Coin, CEO of PadovaFiere, calls on the industry to help rebuild the Flormart show.

by Ron van der Ploeg

Iberflora, the inaugural editions of the fruit and vegetable trade show, Vegetal World and the logistics exhibition, Encaja, were held together for the first time this year at the Feria Valencia convention centre in Valencia, Spain from October 2-4, 2013. by Ron van der Ploeg

Van Zanten Breeding: a strong company with innovative products

On 1 January 2013 the Royal Van Zanten divisions Van Zanten Zanten Cuttings, Van Zanten Plants and Van Zanten Research merged to form one company: Van Zanten Breeding. by our own correspondent

Istanbul: a perfect home for one of the fastest-growing nursery stock shows

The Flower Show Turkey/ Eurasia Plant Fair, Turkey’s leading trade fair for ornamental plants, flowers and landscaping, will open its doors to professional buyers from the Middle East, the Balkans and the new republics in Central Asia from November 28th to December 1st, 2013. by Ron van der Ploeg

Proflora 2013

FloraCulture The business magazine for worldwide floriculture

The 2013 edition of Proflora was opened at the Corferias convention centre in Bogotá on Wednesday 2 October, 2013. Now in its 21st year, Proflora has expanded into Colombia’s largest and most important cut flower oriented trade show taking place every two years.

2014

Three shows under one roof

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by Jaap N. Kras

KOMPAS should indicate new path to profitability

FloraHolland last month announced that it is streamlining its operations to better align its cost structure with current market conditions and enhance its ability to pursue strategic growth initiatives.

Media Kit 2014 FloraCulture International together with its supplements, guides, newsletter and website connects advertisers with the most qualified readership of any international business magazine for floriculture in the world.

by Ron van der Ploeg

Departments World News International Events Advertising Index

Columns 24 25 35

From the editor Miami Dutch Comfort Happy Gardening

07 15 31 33

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

Partners of FloraCulture International

Floraculture International encourages the pursuit of joint activities in areas of mutual interest with national and international societies, companies and organizations. Agreements have been reached between Floraculture International and leading growers and trade associations in 24 countries. This unique partnership includes a complimentary copy for each member of the registered associations. Floraculture International is proud to announce the cooperation with the following associations.

T DE N CEN

A S S O C I AT I O N

SEED IS LIFE

International Seed Federation



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Make acquaintance with ... DFC helps horticultural talent shine through The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) supports the development of the ornamental horticultural industry in the UK by offering scholarships to those who are set on a career in horticulture. As well as bursaries, the scholarships offer work placement and travel opportunities; plus additional support is also given by request for the funding of educational trips. The following scholarships can be applied for: Student scholarships – Students taking horticulture courses across the UK can apply for a scholarship of up to £1000 to support them with their studies. This award is granted to five students annually. Markham - Colegrave International Scholarship Award – This scholarship, which is funded jointly with the US based Ed Markham Scholarship Fund, works as an annual exchange programme between the UK and US/Canada. Once a year $4,500 USD is awarded to a current or recent horticultural student for the opportunity to organise a work placement in a horticultural business.

The Garden Centre Group Scholarships – Supported by the Garden Centre Group (GCG), the UK's largest chain of independent garden centres, this scholarship goes to students who have a keen interest in pursuing a career in garden centre retailing. Each year, the GCG will fund two student scholarships worth £1,500 each as well as offering paid work in a GCG garden centre. The Floranova Ornamental Horticulture Research Scholarship – Awarded by Floranova, Britain's only remaining flower seed breeding company, this scholarship offers an annual prize of £1,500 and work experience. It is designed to encourage the development of important skills in R&D, and is awarded to a student who is keen to pursue a research career in the horticultural industry.

an annual award of £2,500. The scholarship enables an employee in the early stages of their career at a commercial Bedding Plant Nursery to fund travel to Europe in order to develop their knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing. British Protected Ornamentals Association - Peter Seabrook Bursary – The BPOA/Peter Seabrook Bursary offers support worth a total of £1,000 a year for five years to a student/s studying commercial horticulture. ||| To apply for a scholarship or find out more visit the DCF website at www.davidcole gravefoundation.org.uk or email info@davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk

The Ball Colegrave Scholarship – Ball Cole grave, the UK's leading distributor of seed and young plants to commercial growers, supports

HEPMEA aims to move the Greek nursery stock industry forward Greece’s newly established trade association, Hellenic Plant Material Exporters Association (HEPMEA)represents nursery stock growers across the country. Poised as being the ideal network to realise export potential for Greek ornamentals, HEPMEA has the ambition to create stronger bonds between Greek plant producers/ exporters and the international market place. It is dedicated to supporting its 26 member by providing forums and networking opportuni ties such as participation in the round table discussion which was held during the sum mer meeting of the European Nursery Stock Association (ENA) in Catania from June 25-27. Currently, HEPMEA members explore new export markets such as Iran, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, the Netherlands, Italy and Qatar. The vulnerable and very Cerastium theo phrasti (Olympian plant) plant, which only thrives at high altitude and under difficult conditions, is HEPMEA’s new logo. The Hellenic Garden team, the group of industry professionals that built the Greek garden at the 2012 Floriade, has been appointed as the association’s promotion team and Nikos

Thymakis as the expert consultant. The Board of HEPMEA consists of Sotiris Mammos (Mammos Nurseries), Thanos Vaiopoulos (Tani), Pantelis Michalas (Michalas Plants), Aristos Triantafyllou (Modagri), Vasilis Zafeiropoulos (Rhodoland), Stathis Kornaros (Cressa Land Coop) and Pantelis Michalas (Michalas Plants). HEPMEA’S founding members include: Avramis Roses, Glavakis Nurseries, Horticulture Coop of Thessaloniki, Modagri, Milis Nurseries, Gardenia Growers Group, Mammos Nurseries, Hellasod, Delta Trees Nurseries, Poulimenos Cacti Nurseries, Dimitriou Potplants, Lappas Synthesis, Fytagora Zacharogianni, Gryllis Water Lilies, Marigold Plants, the Kitantzis Group, Tani, Baikas Nurseries, Anastasopolous Nurseries, Rhodoland, Rodoplant, Michalas Plants, Cressa Land, Loukissas Farm, Plastona and Labropoulos Editions. The companies cover a wide range of crop species including trees,

shrubs, aromatic plants, young plants, palm trees, cut flowers and hardware. In addition, HEPMEA is also involved in garden design and landscaping. It establishes and maintains links with local and national governments, local authorities, regulators, public bodies and other relevant stakeholders. In line with the European Green Infrastructure programme, HEPMEA focuses on a sustainable ornamental sector and provides its members with a way to lobby the government. ||| For further information: Nikos Thymakis, info@esefy.gr /thymakis@agroartistico.com

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Italy Trade shows face tough times to the point that organisers feel the need to share their views. Paolo Coin, CEO of PadovaFiere, wrote an open letter basically telling us he didn’t like the last edition of Flormart. And asking the Italian ornamental horticulture and gardening sector to stop the antiFlormart campaign and instead reunite to rebuild a show which is bella (pretty), generosa (generous) and properosa (prosperous).

by Ron van der Ploeg

Flormart wants to be ‘bello’ again

ince this year’s Flormart had to endure agonising losses in exhibitors (-2.3%) and visitors (-12.5%), perhaps it was not such a good idea to cover the big, looming empty spaces (the size of a football pitch according to some dramatic Italians) with flowers that looked more like funeral arrangements than cheerful bouquets. They simply gave the wrong impression. As if the suffering patient had already been pronounced dead.

Obvious event choice

But interestingly, despite the relative quiet of the show, those attendees who made the visit were just those the exhibitors wanted to talk to. And for exhibitors, the 2013 Flormart continued to be the obvious event choice to help them win orders in a competitive market. And let’s look at the positive side of the 2013 Flormart for a change: smaller and quieter is not always worse. As an exhibitor you couldn’t get lost in the crowd, making leads easier to come by. But truth be told, event organiser PadovaFiere could have made some quick improvements; why not fill

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | November 2013

Perhaps it was not such a good idea to cover the big, looming empty spaces with flowers that looked more like funeral arrangements.

the gaps by offering loyal exhibitors bigger and prominent spaces (for reduced fees), which in turn allows them to increase and enhance their displays. Larger and more elaborate plant exhibits would have been more appreciated than a desolate and deserted show floor.

Open letter

In a ‘post show’ open letter to its customers PadovaFiere’s managing director, Paolo Coin called for

some critical, reflective thoughts. He pondered about Flormart giving it serious and methodical consideration. He said that Flormart carries the heavy burden of its former fame and glory. People tend to look back on the Grande Flormart with rose tinted glasses. But, according to Coin, there is this weird thing about the Flormart from the early 1990s as “it covered only an area of 13,000m2 in a small and outdated venue that had been built in the 1920s”.

Gilberto Stanghini named Italy’s Grower of the Year Gilberto Stanghini, owner of Vivai Piante Stanghini Gilberto in Pistoia in the Italian province with the same name was chosen ‘Grower of the Year 2013’ by trade show organiser PadovaFiere and the top Italian trade magazines; Flortecnica, Clamer Informa, Acer, Greenline, Il Sole 24 ore, Garden&Grill and Linea Verde. Stanghini (pictured left), received the award at the reception during the 2013 Flormart trade show which was held from September 10 to 11 at the PadovaFiere convention centre in Padua, Northern Italy.

Meanwhile, Coin said that Flormart partly failed to enthuse exhibitors and, even worse, its promotion campaign (no advertising in international trade press but a campaign on a local radio station from the Veneto region) and partnerships were sometimes misinterpreted. “For that, we take full responsibility. But here we come to another reality. Except from IPM Essen and a few exceptions to the rule, trade shows face tough times. Now, it is time to rebuild Flormart and we are lucky enough to have a strong base.”

The Fabio Rizzi Award, in its 33rd year, recognises progressive grow ers nominated by their peers, who embrace technology and modern production practices, market in novatively, deliver strong customer service and demonstrate industry leadership. Stanghini may not be the largest nursery stock grower in the Pistoia area, but he is determined to be one of the best when it comes to environmentally responsible and sustainable growing. The jury praised Stanghini’s state-of-the-art water recapture system that was revolutionary for the industry. Also, Stanghini Nurseries have been running a programme of integrated pest management (IPM) and re ceived acclaim for their automatic fertilising system. Emilio Trabella (pictured right) was

presented with the Gardening Professional of the Year Award. The jury wanted to recognise the work of landscape architect Trabella in the planning and restora tion of famous historic gardens, such as the FAI properties (Fondo Ambiente Italiano, usually referred to in English as the Italian National Trust), Villa Bozzolo and Villa del Balbaniello . Trabella, chairman of Como’s veg etable and flower association, the Societá Ortofloricola Comense, since 1988, received his early edu cation at Minoprio’s horticultural institute and is a member of the professional association for the Italian landscape industry, AIAPP (Associazione Italiana di Architettura del Paesaggio) and the International Federation of Landscape Architects, IFLA. |||

Transparent price policy

Some critical changes need to be completed if PadovaFiere is to achieve a successful trade show. A stricter and more transparent price policy need to be high on the agenda. It will have to compete more vigorously to maximise its share of visitors’ time therefore exhibitor marketing budgets. Over the next two months, Coin and his team will go ahead with their plans to meet as many Flor mart exhibitors, grower groups and trade associations as possible. He stressed that he and his team strive to provide the best service they can, and therefore ask for comments and suggestions and any other feedback Flormart- goers may have. Simply email parliamodiflormart@ padovafiere.it Coin promised that he will respond in due time. |||

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

Production Manager Kenya Red Lands Roses Ltd Our Company is a leading Rose Cut Flower farm exporting all over the world. We grow in 28 ha greenhouses, in hydroponicsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, using IPM. Quality, Passion and Integrity in anything we produce is our motto.

The position

Reporting to the Directors our Production Manager heads and co-ordinates all activities in production of our roses, fertilization and crop protection. He manages and trains 200 staff. He is in charge of production budget, database and statistics.

The candidate

He is a dynamic, self motivated, qualified agronomist and experienced grower. Minimum five years in horticulture, two at management level. Excellent English, French a plus. A competitive package offered in line with experience Check our website www.redlandsroses.com for details and application or email jobs@redlandsroses.co.ke

Italy

Coreopsis Highland.

Flormart announces Oroflor winners A panel of Italian and international trade press judges announced the proud winners of the Oroflor Awards on the evening of Wednesday 11 September, 2013.

Planta’s Fabian Schenk was presented with the Oroflor Award for Coreopsis Highland.

Florafit’s Helena Heiken was presented with the Oroflor Award for the Skumix system.

In the flowers and plants section Danziger’s Coreopsis Highland series, sold on the Italian market by Planta, won the first prize. Highland is a whole new series of compact Coreopsis available in a wide range of colours: Highland Blast, Highland Gold, Highland Honey and Highland Burgundy. Voted Favourite New Product in the landscape section was Garbin’s compact TTZ excavator for landscape contractors. In the technology section the Skumix system by Menno Chemie Vertrieb from Germany, represent ed in Italy by Florafit, took home the first prize. Skumix is a new

state-of-the-art method to control the spread of greenhouse bacteria, fungi and viruses. Skumix mixes water with air and Menno Florades (fungi, viruses, viroids and bacteria; MENNO Florades contains 90g/l 9%w/w benzoic acid) or Menno Ter Forte (bacteria, fungi, weed seeds and algae and moss) to produce a shav ing cream-like foam, increasing contact time for removal of stub born deposits. Skumix’ applications include benches, Danish trolleys, plug trays, pots, pallets, packing areas and greenhouse structures. Grow ers can opt for a Skumix Foamer in situ or a handheld unit with quickconnect hose for easy foaming. |||

Skumix system.

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

Spain Iberflora, the inaugural editions of the fruit and vegetable trade show, Vegetal World and the logistics exhibition, Encaja, were held together for the first time this year at the Feria Valencia convention centre in Valencia, Spain from October 2-4, 2013.

Three shows under one roof F

ew plant fairs in the world are being held in such a mag nificent venue as Iberflora. Founded in 1917, Valencia’s convention centre in Benimámet, the Feria Muestrario Internacional de Valencia, is the country’s oldest expo centre. It underwent a massive, €600 million facelift under supervision of architect José Maria Tomás LLavador in 2006. Today, the Feria Valencia is a desirable venue with a bold, modern design and a bright, naturally lit interior.

Economic booms and busts

by Ron van der Ploeg

A revamped, ultra-modern convention centre is just one example of how Spain’s third largest city (one million inhabitants) went boom… and then burst over the last two decades.

Gathering of agricultural professionals This year, Iberflora was held in conjunction with Vegetal World and Encaja. Co-locating the three shows was dubbed a universal success by most exhibitors. It’s more cost effective for attendees and exhibitors who typically go to all three shows. It also combined the great networking opportunities associated with three big events at a single location and the joint exhibition showcased far more companies and products than either individual shows would have done.

VIP tour, left to right Rita Barbera (mayor Valencia) , Miguel Arias Cañete, Spain’s minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Alberto Fabra, President of the Comunidad Valenciana and Iberflora’s president Oscar Vicente Calabuig Sanchis.

Size and a strong economic headwind are now working against Feria Valencia which was recently forced to rent out part of its giant 231,000m2 show floor to a supermarket chain. A few kilometres further, on Valencia’s shores, a Formula One street circuit struggles for survival, while downtown, a half deserted City of Arts and Sciences, once an ambitious cultural complex designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is reminiscent of happier days when fuelled by cheap credit and European Union development funds, Valencia experienced the largest economic boom ever. It is crystal clear that the city has witnessed an extreme reversal of fortune with its landscape dotted with half-finished football stadiums, roads-to-nowhere and empty condos.

Biggest VAT increase in the world

Unfinished construction projects mean concrete jungles instead of green oasis and that’s no good for

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | November 2013

the ornamental plant business. According to Vicente Peris Alcayde, former chairman of Iberflora, the effects of the financial crisis are still rippling through the industry: an estimated 10% of firms who have been forced to close their doors. Firms, that in some cases were important factors in driving the local horticultural economy. Peris Alcayde added that there are defintely other concerns that weigh heavily on the minds of horticultural entrepreneurs; such as the need for business diversification and a centrally managed Spain-wide crop support system covering the entire ornamental plants sector as well as a clear assessment of the EU’s new pesticides legislation. But there is more. Spain, for example, was the country with the largest increase in VAT in the world in 2012 after a rise of three percent in the standard rate (to 21%) came into force on 1st September last year. Peris Alcayde dubs it, ‘una barberia’, or in plain English ‘a barbaric act’. The country’s VAT rates on orna-

Iberflora has a long road ahead, but its newly appointed 43-year old chair Oscar Vicente Calabuig Sanchis at least perfectly understands that “it’s the quality of the show traffic that matters, not the size. That’s how we really differentiate ourselves in the marketplace.“

mental plants now rank among one of the highest in the European Union with only Hungary 27% (!) Bulgaria 25%, Denmark 25%, Sweden 25%, Finland 24% and Portugal 23% having higher VAT rates (ENA Map 1). Interestingly, the tax burden increased on consumption but not on company profits. Spain did not change the standard rate of corporation tax in 2012, which has remained at 30% since 2008.

Foreign delegations

The present chairman of Iberflora, Mr Oscar Calabuig, a wholesale Nerium oleander grower in Alboraya, said that, “one can’t deny that the European debt crisis slowed economic growth and that a stumbling recovery weakened domestic demand.” He added, “With their domestic growth being uncomfortably low, Spanish companies are increasingly seeking solid trade connections in foreign markets.” It is no wonder that they particularly welcome the plans of the local economic agency GIES (Grupo

Re-entries

Bamboo guru Helder Carvalhos from Plant Livra in Sintra, Portugal.

Left to right José Dâmaso and Eduardo Martins, respectively commercial director and general manager of the Monterosa firm from Portugal.

para la Internacionalización de Empresas)/ARVET(Agrupación de Exportadores de Transformados). Their aim is to take a closer look at the industry’s export sector and help boost local exporters. “The good news for our horticultural industry is that Feria Valencia, in cooperation with GIES/ARVET, hosted foreign delegations from Turkey, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland, France, Paraguay Bulgaria and Russia”, said Calabuig. He added: “It has led to constructive contacts with many different horticultural businesses. Over 150 companies embarked on the Iberflora trade visit.”

Quality of show traffic

Large and elaborate plant exhibits were clearly appreciated by the 11,200 plus visitors.

Event organiser Feria Valencia deserves credit for its sheer determination to reawaken a trade show that had been dormant for a couple of years. The first big steps were made in 2012 and this year interest in Iberflora continued to revitalise with over 400 exhibitors taking part. It order to avoid the Flormart debacle (page 8) with looming empty spaces, loyal exhibitors had been offered bigger and prominent spaces for a reduced fee. It allowed them to increase and enhance their displays. Large and elaborate plant exhibits were clearly appreciated by the 11,200 plus visitors. Of course, there is no guarantee that Iberflora will actually be brought back to the sparkling lustre of its heydays in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 when the event gathered 600 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors.

Through their exertions, Feria Valencia and the Spanish horticultural sector, with the support of the country’s major horticultural trade associations such as ASFPLANT (the Professional Association of Plants, Flowers and Horticultural Technology of the Valencian Community), ASOCIAFLOR from Andalusia, ASPROGA from Galicia and the Federacio d’Agricultors Viveristes from Catalonia, have breathed new life into an event that risked being abandoned. Alain Boone, from Belgium-based plant wholesaler Van Speybroeck (known for their famous Green à la Carte tagline), for example, decided to travel again to Valencia after a few years of absence “My goal is to sell potted flowering plants such as Azalea from Flanders. I didn´t attend the show for a while but coming back turned out to be worthwhile as I just met a few clients from Madrid asking me to make a nice offer for Brassica.” Also making its re-entry after a few years absence was OZ Planten. According to OZ Planten’s commercial director Mr Marco van Veen, Iberflora is an obvious choice to win orders in a competitive market and to meet existing and

>>>

Ornacom’s Adam Faraj.

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

Spain

The recent news that Spain's economy may be on the mend created an upbeat mood at Iberflora.

potential customers especially from Spain and France.Van Veen said that the floral wholesale industry has gone through an extremely difficult time with a high number of business foreclosures. “However, the tide seems to be turning.Traditional wholesale is under pressure, while garden centre chains continue to increase their market share. Overall, doing business has become a more

pleasant activity with less players on the market and more balance between supply and demand.”

New energy

Bamboo guru and exhibitor, Helder Carvalhos from Plant Livra in Sintra, Portugal was bringing new energy to the show floor and Iberflora’s extensive educational programme. In his presentation,

ENA Map 1. EUROPEAN NURSERY SECTOR VAT Rates on ornamental plants

24% 25%

he highlighted the versatility of bamboo; it's one of the world's fastest-growing plants, it's edible (after processing), perfect for building and makes excellent landscape plants. Planta Livra is a relatively young company having been established in 2006. It specialises in bamboo and ornamental grasses. Situated over two sites in the country’s Minho (Guimarães) and Estremadura (Mem Martins) provinces, the 36ha Planta Livra Nurseries have a reputation for high quality bamboo, which is sold to garden centres, wholesalers and landscaping companies. Carvalhos said Iberflora offered the perfect platform to display its wide range of bamboo plants. Previously working for one of the suppliers of La Bambuseraie near Nîmes (France), Carvalhos has developed a passion for bamboo and provides tips for using bamboos as a hedge, in seaside gardens or landscapes. Also coming from Portugal is Eduardo Martins, general manager of the Monterosa firm, which is located in Moncarapacho, Portugal. At their stand, they showcased Bougainvillea, Lavandula, Convulvus and Polygama mini trees that have been increasingly in demand from North West Europe. Martins stresses that Iberflora is a shop window for his products, not just to the Spaniards but to the world. “Iberflora is a chance to meet potential customers from different parts of Europe.”

20%

Iberflora facts and figures

21% 25%

13,5%

21%

20% 6%

6% 15% 20% 10%

27%

24%

8,5%

10%

23%

20%

21%

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | November 2013

13%

Name: Iberflora, international trade exhibition for ornamental plants, cut flowers, horticultural technology, garden centres and DIY stores. Edition : 42nd Dates: October 2-4, 2013. Frequency: annual Venue: Feria Valencia Show floor: 24,000m2 Number of exhibitors: 267 (482 including the offer of agricultural technology) Simultaneous events: Vegetal World and Encaja.

by William Armellini

Miami

The F word I know what you are thinking: this crazy writer has finally gone too far. But before you read any further I direct you to your business card file. If you are like me you have a tidy place to keep the many business cards that one accumulates over a life time. Next I would like to point out that, for obvious reasons, all of the letters represented in this file, the only one overflowing is the one labelled “F”. Long-time Iberflora exhibitor (more than 20 years) Piante Faro was together with Tecnico Piante the only two Italian plant exhibitors. Walking through Piante Faro’s stand at Iberflora is like getting a front row seat in Mediterranean plant education highlighting Schinus molle, the Brazilian peppertree with its wide weeping habit, the Queensland bottle tree Brachychiton rupestris (occupying pride of place in this year’s Australian Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show) and the Queen palm Arecastrum romanzoffianum. Pictured are the company's commercial director, Massimo Pennisi (left) and Michele Faro.

Local business

True to tradition, the expo hosted a strong contingent of local businesses (82% of exhibitors) from the Valencia area, which is good for an annual output of 30,965,000 plants with an estimaded economic value of €95,675,000. Ornacom is located 20kms north of Valencia and, of course, generating new sales leads is also the company’s main raison d’être at Iberflora. The company’s sales manager, Adam Faraj said his company has established a strong presence in France, where it sells to wholesalers and garden centres. It is the sixth year in a row that Ornacom exhibits is present in Valencia to showcase its wide array of palm trees. Particularly noticeable is Chamaerops humilis ‘Vulcano’, which, according to Faraj is a new compact form of the European fan palm that is currently a big hit in Europe. Chamaerops humilis 'Vulcano' was discovered as a nursery variant in Sicily. It combines short, stiff foliage, slow growth and compactness. Stopping at the stand of Poinsettia and Dipladenia specialist Joepasur from Almeria, was Hibiscus and Dipladenia wholesale grower Robert Baggio, from the Bordeaux area. He said that pulling knowledge from others in the same business is invaluable and that Iberflora is THE meeting place. |||

It is clear that “flowers” are the common denominator and the basis for all things “F” in floral but it goes much deeper than that. Consider Foliage, Floral, Fern, Fauna and you get the idea. Allow me to provide some other examples simply by reading off the cards from my “F” file. Flores, Flowers and Ferns, Flore, Flori, Farm, Fancy, Florida, Full , Florist, Flora, Fantasy, Falcon, Fresca, Fresh, Funza, FedEx, Fides, Franco, Fine, Fiesta, and who can forget; Forever. I was told long ago by a successful floral businessman that if you’re working in the floral industry your name should contain the word “Fresh”. However, a marketing friend of mine insists that a company name should meet three criteria; have no more than 2 syllables, be easy to spell and clear about its message. Therefore if you are selling sweets and your sir name is Lemmon you might want to reconsider naming your company LemmonCo. In our industry, a company name that sounded like “Botrytis” would be a poor choice. I have nothing against the letter F and in fact many of my favourite pastimes begin with that letter. Fishing, Flying…… Finally, I suggest that having a company name that does not begin with F gives you a better chance of being found in an index file. Simply because there will be less competition in the G or C file. Additionally there is a high probability that your F card will be lost, not just in the mass of other F’s, but due to the size of the file nearly every time I pull the cards out of the F slot I end up dropping them all over the floor. I realise that many of you are likely to have entered all your contact records in a database and it does not care how many F’s you have in there. But you have to do something with all those “Fn” cards because people still insist on handing them out.

William Armellini. Editor Flowersandcents.com Williee@williee.com

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

Breeding On 1 January 2013 the Royal Van Zanten divisions Van Zanten Cuttings, Van Zanten Plants and Van Zanten Research merged to form one company: Van Zanten Breeding. Van Zanten Breeding operates internationally in the field of breeding, propagation and marketing of a wide range of cut flowers (Alstroemeria, Bouvardia, Chrysanthemums, Freesia, Limonium and Statice) plus pot and bedding products (Aster, Celosia, Multiflora, Pot Chrysanthemum and Princess Lilies).

Van Zanten Breeding: a strong company with innovative products Alstroemeria For many years now, Van Zanten Breeding has enjoyed a strong position with its Alstroemeria product range. Some well-known varieties are ‘Orange Queen’ (orange), ‘Nadya’ (red) and ‘Viriginia’ (white). A number of important new varieties will be launched in 2014. The new varieties ‘Amatista’ (purple), ‘Intenz Pink’ (pink) and ‘Snowtime’ (white) will be welcome additions to the Alstroemeria product range. In addition some new, innovative Alstroemeria varieties are being developed. A beautiful example is ‘Bridesmaid’: a variety with an uncommonly long shelf-life during which the flower petals do not drop or lose colour. For this reason ‘Brides maid’ is harvested later than usual resulting in a highly ornamental flower. |||

Bouvardia Please contact us for further information on our varieties and upcoming events (info@royalvanzanten.com) or visit our website (www.royalvanzanten.com).

The Bouvardia product range makes Van Zanten Breeding a world-wide market leader. Applying intensive breeding techniques has resulted in a wide range of colours and provided the product with a longer shelf-life. The ‘Royal Roza’ variety, a beautiful pink Bouvardia, was introduced recently. In the coming years, more new varieties to im prove the number of white varieties, can be expected. |||

Chrysanthemum The Chrysanthemum range is based on well-known varieties like ‘Bonita’ (white, decorative), ‘Barolo’ (red, single), ‘Haydar’ (bi-colour, single), ‘Saba’ (bi-colour, decorative) and ‘Papaya’ (orange, single). A number of interesting varieties have been added to the product ranges. For the Santini segment these are ‘Elivera’ (purple, spoon), ‘Soraya’ (red, pompon) and ‘Robini’ (purple, anemone). The varieties ‘Royantoo’ (purple, decorative), ‘New Delhi’ (red, decorative), ‘Ranja’ (orange, decorative) and the radiant ‘Ivy’ (white, decorative) are the newest additions in the spray Chrysanthemum product range. In the next few months the focus will be on the introduction of the new disbudded Chrysanthemum ‘Anabel’, a white spider with a unique flower. All these additions will strengthen Van Zanten Breeding’s position on the Chrysanthemum market. |||

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | November 2013

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FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) published monthly.Wo FloraCulture International isB.V. © FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.Wo 2009 FloraCulture International All rights reserved. No po P.O.Box 82, 1850magazine. AB Heiloo, the Netherlands © 2009 FloraCulture All rights reserved. No po beRon reproduced in anyInternational form withoutmagazine. written permission of the publisher. van T (31) 72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521 be form without writtenimages. permission the publisher. derreproduced Ploeg in any for advertisements using illegally obtained Sendof address changes Circulation Administration: FBW Woerden P .O. Bo for advertisements usingPillegally Send theNetherlands address changes International magazine, .O.Boxobtained 82, 1850images. AB Heiloo, 3440 AP Woerden, the Netherlands International magazine, P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, theNetherlands

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Circulation by crop 62% 62% 62%

28% 28% 28%

Cut Cut flower flower Cut flower

Cut Cut foliage foliage Cut foliage

4% 4% 4%

5% 5% 5%

Glasshouse Glasshouse Glasshouse vegetables vegetables vegetables

Outdoor Outdoor Outdoor vegetables vegetables vegetables

70% 70% 70% 36% 36% 36% Garden Garden plants plants Garden plants

30% 30% 30%

Flowering Flowering Flowering pot plants pot plants pot plants

Young Young plants plants Young plants from from seed seed from seed

Foliage Foliage pot pot Foliage plants plantspot plants

Growers Growers Growers

22% 22% 22%

60%

60% Young Young60%plants plants Youngcuttings plants from from cuttings from cuttings

75% 75% 75% Seeds Seeds Seeds

Wholesalers Wholesalers Wholesalers

4% 4% 4%

49% 49% 49% Horti Horti Suppliers Suppliers Horti Suppliers

Reserchers/ Reserchers/ Reserchers/ teachers teachers teachers

6% 6% 6% Others Others related related Others related to the to the industry industry to the industry

Circulation by title 63% 63% 63% Directors, Directors, Directors, Business owners Business owners Business owners

27% 27% 27% Managers Managers Managers

7% 7% 7% Researchers, Researchers, Researchers, Teachers, Teachers, Teachers, Government Government Government officials officials officials

30% 30% 30%

3% 3% 3%

Others Others Others

60% 60% Greenhouse Greenhouse 60%

Greenhouse constuctors constuctors constuctors

35% 35% 35% Chemical Chemical Chemical companies/ companies/ companies/ peat suppliers peat suppliers peat suppliers

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Total circulation magazine Printed in English Digital English Printed Mandarin Digital Mandarin Newsletter

15,500 65,600 5,500 7,500 9,600

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Editorial Calendar January February March april May June July / august septeMber OctOber nOveMber DeceMber

Asia Latin America Central & Eastern Europe North America Central America Western Europe Africa Australia Southern Europe Middle East Latin America

Advertising Sales Offices

Advertising Sales Offices Advertising Sales Offices

75% 75% 75%

60% 60% 60%

Circulation by type of business 62% 62% 62%

T (31) 34 84 31 393 F (31) 34 84 32 552 info@fbw Editors: Anabel Evans (anabel@floracultureinternation FloraCulture International B.V. Dennis Ron van der Ploeg (ron@floracultureinternational.com Seriese FloraCulture International B.V. P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands Editorial team: Edward Bent, ChrisNetherlands Beytes, Lotte Bja P.O.Box ABFHeiloo, Ron van T (31) 7282, 531850 23 522 (31) 72the 53 23 521 der Ploeg Hans De Vries, David Gray, Kerry Herndon, M Ron van Sales management T (31) 72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521 Helen Circulation Administration: FBW Woerden P.O. Bo der Ploeg Petitjean, Marta Pizano, Leaora Polic Marie-Françoise Circulation Administration: FBW Woerden P .O. Bo Hedd Alwyn Hughes 3440 AP Woerden, the Netherlands Founding editor: Debbie Hamrick hedd@floracultureinternational.com 3440 Netherlands T (31)AP 34 Woerden, 84 31 393the F (31) 34 84 32 552 info@fbw Claudia hedd alwyn Cover: California PackFTrials TT +31 297 769 153 Stokreef (31) 34 84 31 393 (31) 34 84 32 552 info@fbw Editors: Anabel Evans (anabel@fl oracultureinternation hughes Publisher: FloraCulture International B.V. 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Substrates Greenhouses Cut flowers Climate, Water Auctions Production, Automation Bedding Plants Indoor plants Nursery stock Holland Crop protection Bulbs

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FloraCulture International® (ISSN 1051-9076) is published 11times a year by FloraCulture International Issues 7 and 8 are a combined summer edition. Subscriptions for industry professionals: €75 per year. Non qualified subscribers: €142.50 including mailing costs. ©2014 FloraCulture International® magazine. All rights reserved. FloraCulture International is a full colour magazine.

Trade show The Flower Show Turkey/ Eurasia Plant Fair, Turkey’s leading trade fair for ornamental plants, flowers and landscaping, will open its doors to professional buyers from the Middle East, the Balkans and the new republics in Central Asia from November 28th to December 1st.

by Ron van der Ploeg

Istanbul: a perfect home for one of the fastest-growing nursery stock shows S ince relocating to Istanbul in 2011, the Flower Show Turkey/Eurasia Plant Fair has established itself as the region’s most important industry gathering and the 2013 edition promises to be even more successful than last year’s record breaking event. By providing an improved layout, wider product range and a broader mix of international exhibitors and visitors, the organiser is confident that this year will deliver more excitement and inject a fresh and

unique energy into this rapidly growing sector.

Crossroads

The annual Flower Show Turkey is strategically located at the crossroads of East and West and last year it occupied the entire 24,000m2 floor space at the Istanbul Fair Center. The 2012 show hosted 300 exhibitors from 18 countries and attracted 10,000 professional buyers from 53 countries. While at Turkey Flower Show/Eurasia Plant Fair visitors can take advantage of early season deals, meet new suppliers and view and compare the latest products.

International exhibitors

Flower Show Turkey 2013 will also be at full capacity and will again deliver the largest commercial platform for this target region. Exhibitors will come from leading supplier countries such as Holland, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Greece, Spain, Turkey and many more. The Flower Show Turkey is now the key event for these suppliers to develop new business relationships and gaining entry into potentially large

emerging markets across the Middle East, the new republics in Central Asia, Russia, and the Balkans.

Middle East

European nurseries can more easily gain entry into the Middle Eastern market thanks to the close business ties between Turkey and the Middle East that have evolved through geographical proximity, common culture, and the professionalism and experience of Turkish companies. You will find a multitude of products and services gathered in one place; from ornamental plants to cut flowers; from the latest floriculture technologies to fertilisers and feeds with 75 new exhibitors.. The fair takes place at the Istanbul Fair Center, located directly in front of Istanbul Ataturk International Airport. It takes only 3 minutes by taxi to reach the venue. ||| For more details visit www.flowershow.com.tr/en Visitors can register using our free online invitation form. Exhibitors will be able to find all necessary information regarding participation on the website.

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

Show coverage The 2013 edition of Proflora was opened at the Corferias convention centre in Bogotá on Wednesday 2 October, 2013. Now in its 21st year, Proflora has grown into Colombia’s largest and most important cut flower oriented trade show taking place every two years.

by Jaap N. Kras

Proflora 2013 is THE meeting place for flower professionals C

olombia is the world’s second largest flower exporter. According to the latest statistics Colombia has over 6,500 hectares dedicated to commercial flower production. The country’s cut flower exports in 2012 were valued at US$ 1.270 million. The bulk goes to the United States (US$ 960), Europe and Russia (US$160) and other parts of the world (US$150). Roses make up the lion’s share. Over the last five years, the sector has achieved a growth of over 25%. The most important products were: bouquets (40% of the export), roses( 30%), standard carnations (11%), Chrysanthemums (10 %) and other flowers such as Alstro-

This year the three-day event hosted over 200 exhibitors.

emerias, spray carnations, orchids, Gypsophila, Aster and Gerberas (9%). Only coffee represents a higher export value (US$1,9 billion) than Colombian flowers.

Grand opening of Proflora

Colombia’s president Mr Juan Manuel Santos Calderón congratulated Mr Augusto Solano with the 40 th anniversary of Asocolflores.

Proflora’s grand opening celebration took place at the Corferias convention centre on Wednesday 2 October, 2013 and the Colombians know how to do that. From the over 800 guests in attendance at Proflora’s opening ceremony, the extent of the relationship of the country’s floriculture industry

Proflora 2015 to be held in Medellín Medellin, Antioquia is riding high, having recently been named the ‘Most Innovative City in the World’ by The Wall Street Journal and Citibank. This distinction comes on the heels of a push by flower growers in Antioquia to hold the next Proflora show there – Colombia’s second largest flower-growing region. In response to these events, executives at Proflora have designated the Antioquian capital city as the official setting for Proflora 2015 from September 30th to October 2nd.

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | November 2013

(in particular that of Asocolflores) with the upper echelons of the nation’s government is evident. Seated at the head table with the nation’s president was Colombia’s new Minister of Agriculture, Ruben Dario Lizarralde, along with Robert van Embden, Dutch Ambassador to Colombia – representing Proflora 2013’s Guest Country, The Netherlands. They were joined by Andres Lopez, President of Corferias; Fernando Fonseca, President of the Proflora Organizing Committee; Carlos Manuel Uribe, President of the Board of Directors of Asocolflores and Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores. During the opening ceremony, Colombia presented its new Magical Realism ad campaign currently running on CNN and various other international channels, as well as a video chronicling 40 years of Asocolflores association history and featuring three of the flower

Working with David Austin Roses, Alexandra farms has created its own niche product by breeding fragrant roses as cut flower or garden rose. The problem with fragrant roses is the vase life, Alexandra farms guarantees a 6 day vase life to its customers. Working with many different varieties is labour intensive and expensive.

industry’s pioneers: Charles Weston, John Vaughan and Francisco Bazzani. Colombia’s national anthem and the ceremony’s closing ‘cumbia’ song “Colombia, My Beloved Land” were played by the awardwinning Youth Orchestra from Sopo, one of Colombia’s largest flower-growing townships.

Social responsibility

The President of Colombia, Mr Juan Manuel Santos Calderón and the President of Asocolflores, Mr Augusto Solano both underlined the importance of the flower industry for Colombia. President Santos congratulated Asocolflores on their 40th anniversary. He went on to say that, following the financial problems of the country’s coffee exporters, caused by the sharp decrease of the world coffee market prices and the strong Colombian peso against a weak dollar, the government works on extra measures to support the export of agricultural products in general and especially cut flowers. Due to the currency revaluation Colombia’s export position came under further pressure.

Top results for Flowers-are- Home programme. New houses for workers.

Mr Solano stressed that the industry takes its social responsibility very seriously. Not only does it provide work to 120,000 people, but the work contracts are fair and the social security coverage is 100%. Up to 60% of the employees are women. Some special initiatives of Asocolflores deserve particular attention. Over 50,000 workers and their family members have benefitted from the project “Cultivating Peace in the Family” to solve problems within families in a peaceful way. Asocolflores also runs another programme: Flowers-are Home. This initiative aims to give employees good housing. It includes the building of new houses, improvement of existing houses or the access to materials and facilities to construct you own house. In this way, nearly 30,000 families have already been helped. During a farm tour Proflora attendees could see the fantastic, big project with hundreds of modern new houses for workers with their own eyes. Asocolflores is committed to educational and socio environmental

Flores del Amanecer S.A, a tissue culture lab with an output of 2.3 million cuttings (Green Leaf) propagation and production of unrooted cuttings of perennials 750 varieties, 40 million cuttings

programmess: ‘Flowers Sustainably Competitive and Responsible” to improve the environment and increase the skills, quality of life and welfare of the workers in the workplace. Who does not remember the spot-flanked Gallinule (Gallinula melanops) project of Florverde to save this endangered bird of the Bogotá a savannah plateau. Superior quality cut flowers.

THE meeting place for flower professionals

Proflora is THE occasion to meet all professionals of the Colombian flower industry. This year, the three-day event hosted 200 exhibitors. It is the place where Colombia and 13 other countries display their latest breeding breakthroughs, their hottest new horticultural supplies and top quality young plants. Over 7,000 trade visitors from all important producing and consuming countries visited the exhibition and participated in the organised excursions to growers on the savannah. |||

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

World News

Germany IPM organisers urge exhibitors to book stand as 90% of space is now allocated With around 90% of the available space now allocated, IPM Essen is urging any company considering having a stand at the ‘world’s leading horticultural trade exhibition’ to book it as soon as possible. “We’re very pleased with the current level of bookings, but obviously it means that anyone thinking of exhibiting should contact us soon to make sure they get a space,” said Egon Galinnis, event director for the show, which takes place at Messe Essen, from January 28-31. Galinnis went on to say that next year's show will feature a wide range of products, from cut flowers and house plants, through nursery stock and young plants, to green houses, machinery and crop protection products. “However, true to its tradition, IPM remains a very plant focused show (60%) but technology (25%) and floristry (15%) play an increasingly important role. We are pleased to announce that the total number of registered exhibitors for the 2014 IPM show has already exceeded the 2012 total,” Galinnis said last month at a news conference at the Parkhaus Hügel in Essen, Germany. He also confirmed Turkey as the 2014 theme country of IPM’s horticultural forum. Currently 1,500 companies from 46 coun tries have already signed up to exhibit from 46 countries. India will make its debut as a technology exhibitor, while Guatemala will be present once again. Meanwhile, Taiwan, Hungary, Poland, Belgium, Denmark and Italy have announced a bigger presence through country pavilions. The Netherlands, Italy and Denmark rank among the countries with the strongest presence. “We’ve got a stronger representation from international exhibitors than ever, with IPM Dubai (United Arabic Emirates), Flowers IPM (Russia), Hortiflor Expo IPM (China) and our latest addition, the Floratec IPM (India), creat ing an obvious synergy in sales and marketing activities," said Mr Gallinis. "Among them, we have a Turkish national pavilion for the first time.” In particular, IPM has been encouraging the pursuit of joint activities with national and international trade associations and societies such as ZVG (Germany’s Federal Association of Horticulture), Landesverband Gartenbau Rheinland (Rhineland Federal Association of Horticulture), Landesverband Gartenbau

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | November 2013

Westfalen-Lippe (Westphalia-Lippe Federal Association of Horticulture), EDRA (Euro pean DIY Retail Association, ENA (European Nursery Stock Association), AIPH (Interna tional Association of Horticultural Producers) and Union Fleurs (International Flower Trade Association). “The IPM is a gathering place for the global ornamental horticulture and gar dening industry and there is no better place to network and see what’s new.” Speaking of new, the 7th edition of the IPM New Products Showcase in Hall 1A is set to highlight the latest breeding breakthroughs. One day before the official opening, a panel of specialised judges will face the daunting task to choose the winners in seven catego ries: Houseplants, Spring- flowering plants, Bedding and Balcony Plants, Cut Flowers, Perennials, Nursery Stock and Patio Plants. Registration is open until December 16th, 2013. This year, Parkhaus Hügel played host to the IPM press conference, while in the nearby Hügel Park the first crimson, bright red and golden colours were glowing against a setting sun. While outside, the autumn was very mild, inside the miserable spring weather and the scorching hot summer (“Grausamer Winter” and “Knallheisser Sommer) of 2013 were on everybody’s mind.

“At that time, my heart really went out to all our customers. I was really worried about how much the turbulent weather would affect their businesses and their ability to meet fi nancial obligations longer term. His colleague Jürgen Mertz, chairman of the Federal As sociation of Horticulture (ZVG), added, “There can be no doubt that 2013 has been one of the most difficult years for our industry and it has made it clear once again that our income doesn’t depend on the economic crisis but on the weather. I cannot wait for the 2014 season. If only January was already here!” Galinnis finished by saying that he and his team are in the process of planning a multimillion overhaul of half of the Messe Essen buildings that will include a complete new look for its east wing. It is a project that will make Messe Essen the most modern and functional single level facilityin the world, of fering plenty of daylight. The renovation plans, however, could be put on hold after local leftwing groups called for protests. Opponents of the plan fear it will be too expensive and that the city of Essen could be hit with heavy financial losses. So far, the major renovations, which were slated to begin this autumn, have been postponed until 2015. ||| For further details visit www.ipm-essen.de

International Events November 2013 4 to 6. Finland A Nordic Seminar on Peatland drainage and environment: “Future strategies for mitigation of GHG emissions and diffuse pollution to watercourses from arable land management” will be held in Kuopio, Finland, 4 - 6 November 2013. Contact information and registration by 10 September to Marja Maljanen, University of Eastern Finland, marja.maljanen@ uef.fi The seminar is free of charge. More information can be found at www.oulu.fi/pyovesen/ node/18456 6 to 8. The Netherlands International Floriculture Trade Fair at the Haarlemmermeer Expo, Vijfhuizen. www.hpp.nl 6 to 8. The Netherlands FloraHolland Trade Fair at FloraHolland Aalsmeer. T +31 297 39 36 12 events@floraholland.nl www.floraholland.com 10 to 11. Israel The Israeli Chapter of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), in collaboration with the Faculty of Law at the Tel-Aviv University, has announced its forthcoming international convention ‘From IP to NP’ (net profit) which focuses on how to make IP work for businesses. To see the conference programme and register: www.aippi.org.il 17 to 19. UAE IPM Dubai/WOP Dubai, international plants expo Middle East and the international perishables expo Middle East at the Dubai World Trade Centre. www.ipm-dubai.net www.wop-dubai.com 28 November-1 December. Turkey Flower Show Turkey/ Eurasia Plant Fair. www.flowershow.com.tr

and beyond will meet in Sanremo, Italy, during the seventh edition of the Biennial European Conference on Palms. Organised by the Centro Studi e Ricerche per le Palme association and the Municipality of Sanremo, the meeting will be hosted in the majestic Villa Ormond. www.sanremopalme.org 10 to 12. United States Great Lakes, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo and Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo. www.glexpo.com 11 to 17. India KISAN, India’s largest agricultural trade show, is scheduled for December 11 to 17, 2013. Venue: the International Exhibition Arena, Moshi Pune-Nashik Highway, Near Bhosari, Pune. KISAN Forum Pvt. Ltd. 1170/17-B, Shivajinagar, Pune - 411005, Maharashtra, INDIA. T 0091 20-30252000 team@kisan.com www.kisan.in 2014 January 2014 4 to 6. Spain Viveralia, 11th international trade fair for ornamental plants at the Institucion Ferial Alcantina (IFA) in Elche, Spain. www.feria-alicante.com 8 to 10. United States MANTS (Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show) at the Baltimore Convention Center. www.mants.com 17-26. Germany Grüne Woche, international green week Berlin. The world's biggest fair for food, agriculture and horticulture. www.gruenewoche.de

December 2013

20 to 22. India Flora Expo 2014, one of India's leading trade exhibitions for floriculture, nursery stock and greenhouse technology. Chandigarh, India. www.floraexpo.com

4 to 7. Turkey Growtech Eurasia. The 12th edition of the international greenhouse, agricultural equipment and technology fair at the Antalya Expo Centre. www.growtech.com.tr

22 to 24. United States Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, USA. www.tpie.org

5 to 7. Italy Dies Palmarum 2013 - 7th Biennial European Conference on Palms. Scientists and technicians from the Mediterranean countries

28 to 31. Germany IPM Essen at the Messe Essen. www.ipm-essen.de info@ipm-essen.de

February 2014 5 to 7. Germany Fruit Logistica Berlin, the world’s leading trade fair for the fresh fruit and vegetable business. www.fruitlogistica.de 18 to 20. France Salon du Végétal at the Angers Convention Centre in Angers, France. T (33) 241 7914 17 F (33) 241 4529 05 salon@bhr-vegetal.com www.salonduvegetal.com 26 February to 2 March. New Zealand Ellerslie International Flower Show in Christchurch. www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz

20 to 23. Mexico Expoflor + Verde Mexico 2014, international flowers, plants and green industry trade show at the Floracopio wholesale market in San Antonio la Isla, Mexico. info@guiaverdemexico.com www.guiaverdemexico.com 26 to 30. Australia Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show at the Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens. info@melbourneflowershow.com.au www.melbourneflowershow.com.au April 2014

April to October 2014. China The Quingdao International Horticultural Exhibition at Baiguo Mountain Forest Park in 27 February to 2 March. Poland Gardenia, nursery stock trade show Quingdao, China. exhibition@qingdaoexpo2014.org at Poznan’s International Fair. www.gardenia.mtp.pl www.qingdaoexpo2014.org 1 to 3. China The 3rd International Conference on the Genus of Lilium at the Merchant’s 3 to 12. Taiwan Hotel in Zhangzhou, China. Taiwan International Orchid Show www.lilium2014.org (TIOS) at the Taiwan Orchid Plantation in Tainan, Taiwan. 5 to 10. United States California Spring Trials info@tios.org.tw www.tios.org.tw www.ofa.org/springtrials March 2014

4 to 5. Belgium Florall Spring Fair at the Flanders Convention Centre in Ghent. T (32) 9 241 5091 F (32) 9 241 5095 info@florall.be www.florall.be 11 to 14. Russia Garden Tool. The specialised trade fair in Russia for producers and suppliers of tools, techniques and equipment for groundmaintenance of gardens and parks. www.gardentool.ru 11 to 15. Spain Backed by the International Camellia Society, the International Camellia Congress will take place in Pontevedra, Spain. T (34) 986 804 100 Camellia.pontevedra@depo.es www.camellia2014.depo.es 10 to 14. United States World Floral Expo 20 March to 18 May. The Netherlands Keukenhof, the world famous spring garden at Lisse, the Netherlands. www.keukenhof.nl

8 to 10. Ukraine Flowers & Hortech at Kiev’s International Exhibition Centre. www.flowers-hortech.com 11 to 13. United Kingdom RHS Flower Show Cardiff. www.rhs.org.uk 23 to 26. China Hortiflorexpo IPM Beijing, organised by the China Flower Association, Intex Shanghai and China Great Wall International Exhibition Co Ltd. in cooperation with Messe Essen GmbH (international co-organiser). Venue: Beijing Exhibition Center. www.hortiflorexpo-ipm.com May 2014 8 to 10. Thailand Horti Asia at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). www.hortiasia.net 8 to 18. France 11th edition of the Floralies Internationales de Nantes at the Beaujoire convention centre in Nantes. Comité des Floralies 7, quai Henri Barbusse 44000 Nantes accueil@comite-desfloralies.com T +33 (0)2 40 14 58 60

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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World News United States Garden Writers Association honors Ferguson Caras PR

The Garden Writers Association (GWA), the professional association of U.S. and Canadian gardening communicators, has honored Ferguson Caras PR, www.fcpr.com, as 2013 recipient of its Wilfred J. Jung Distinguished Service Award. GWA honors one allied trade member annually that, as a company, has promoted gardening in North America, helped expand the profession of garden communications and supported the overall objectives of GWA and its membership. Candidates for the Jung award are nominated by GWA membership, recommended by the Honors Committee and elected by the GWA Board of Directors. Ferguson Caras, headed by husband and wife team David Caras and Sally Ferguson, specialises in public relations for gardening, horticulture and outdoor living clients. It is probably best known in the trade for repre senting the Dutch flower bulb sector for 23 years (1989 – 2011), directing its U.S. Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center during that time. |||

H.R.H Princess Madeleine of Sweden (pictured right) presented the award to Heliospectra's CEO, Staffan Hillberg.

Sweden/United States Heliospectra from Sweden wins prestigious Green Award

United States Business was blooming at the 2013 Landscape Show

Heliospectra based in Göteborg, Sweden were chosen in a major SACC New York Deloitte competition to be cited as one of the top green companies in the world, winning the prestigious Green Award.

“Business was Blooming” at The Landscape Show as more than 6,200 nursery and landscape professionals gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida to do business together, learn from one another and enhance the professionalism of Florida's nursery and landscape industry.

Heliospectra is one of Sweden's most renowned companies in green technology and was presented with the prestigious SACC New York - Deloitte Green Award on October 23. The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce (SACC)in New York annually awards the prize to a company with a breakthrough green technology within the food chain. Heliospectra is awarded the Green Award in recognition of the company's ground breaking work in the field of enhanced agricultural results and sustainable greenhouse farming, in particular for the development of the Heliospectra intelligent LED system. “The company’s mission is to develop and sell efficient lighting systems that provide control of plant growth and quality. Heliospectra’s patented technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 50 % in greenhouses while at the same time producing a crop that looks and tastes better, and also has a longer shelf-life”, commented Heliospectra’s CEO, Mr Staffan Hillberg. H.R.H. Princess Madeleine of Sweden presented Heliospectra with the award during a Royal Gala Award Dinner in New York on October 23rd. The Gala was attended by Steve Trygg, Jury Chairman and Vice Chairman of SACC New York and followed the 6th Annual Green Summit. ||| For more details visit www.heliospectra.com

Taking place September 19-21, The Landscape Show offered a new location, with nearly 450 exhibitors setting up eye-appealing and inspiring displays in the North/South Building of the Orange County Convention Center. “The change to the newer building was very exciting,” said Linda Adams, trade show manager. “Access to the show was more convenient and everyone seemed to enjoy the many ‘new’ elements of the show.” Exhibitors reported business is picking up with more orders than normal at the show. “The Landscape Show was upbeat, fresh, and fun! The conversations on the show floor were very positive and I got the sense virtually everyone is excited about the industry's momentum. It was the most beautiful show I can recall seeing. The new hall really showcased the plants and product,” said Ty Strode, Chairman of the show and vice president of marketing at Agri-Starts, Inc. in Apopka. From colorful flowering annuals, to large palms and trees to cascading fountains, exhibitors did an exceptional job displaying their products. The winner of this year's Best of Show award went to Excelsa Gardens, Loxahatchee; Best Island to Knox Nursery, Winter Garden; and, the most Unusual Plant Specimen in the show was awarded to the Gumbo Limbo shown by Sunscape Landscape Nursery. |||

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

Interview FloraHolland last month announced that it is streamlining its operations to better align its cost structure with current market conditions and enhance its ability to pursue strategic growth initiatives.

by Ron van der Ploeg

A KOMPAS to profitability T

he KOMPAS restructuring plan includes the consolidation of existing clock units in Bleiswijk into a single florist clock in Naaldwijk and cost reduction actions including the cutback on quality inspectors and an approximate 5% reduction of the company’s workforce. When fully implemented, the workforce reduction is expected to reduce the company’s annualised expenses by €12 to €15 million. FloraHolland expects to record restructuring costs associated with these actions in the amount of approximately €20 million. When CEO Timo Huges announced his departure four and a half month ago, Rens Buchwaldt was appointed as acting chief executive officer. In this exclusive one-to-one interview, Buchwaldt emphasises how the new structure is designed to enable companywide cost cutting and streamlined, increasingly virtual work processes.

FCI: A reorganisation tends to be a sad moment in a company’s history. How deep is your own sadness?

Rens Buchwaldt: “I would say we have found some sort of balance. Given the circumstances, which you have to accept to a certain degree, we have really done our utmost to do the right things. We will introduce new services, new developments; things that match the interest and requirements of our growers, buyers and other stakeholders. Not all of the consequences, however, are positive. Some of them lead to the unfortunate situation of workforce reduction. This affects loyal, dedicated employees, who do a good job every day. About this I am very sad. On the other hand, we have a very positive proposition to take forward. That, in some way, makes me feel positive. So, there are mixed feelings.”

Over the past few days, you have outlined the details of the reorganisation plans to your personnel. What feedback did they give you?

“The restructuring plan is generally considered ‘comprehensive’ , ‘well-thought out’ and ‘clear’. Most people understand the necessity of change, especially from a cooperative FloraHolland perspective. At the same time, nearly all of them are asking themselves the same question: what does all this mean to me personally? For quite a few people, we don’t have a clear answer at this stage. Obviously, there is a feeling of nervousness about that, but overall people believe that we are doing the right thing.” If FloraHolland manages to set up a successful florist clock in Naaldwijk this will be the only remaining physical clock in the west of the Netherlands.

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | November 2013

There will be redundancies as part of this restructuring

and this causes insecurity among your employees. What’s the time frame for when you’d like the changes to be in place?

“We would like all the changes to be implemented by the end of next year. The time frame of each individual step may vary, but, for example, the relocation of the auction clocks from Bleiswijk to Naaldwijk is scheduled for November 6th, 2014: that’s a definitive- end date.”

Is workforce reduction the best answer? It usually marks the beginning of a downward spiral in confidence and enthusiasm that many people never recover from….

“I don’t think it will in this case. Let’s look at the role of FloraHolland as a cooperative. From a grower’s perspective, the use of FloraHolland as selling platform is changing and we are taking steps to adapt to or even go ahead of those changes. So it’s not only about stopping or changing business activities, but also about new and improved services in a changing market environment. I reckon that this combination will give us momentum going forward. Therefore the debate should not only concentrate on the company becoming smaller.”

KOMPAS is the name of FloraHolland’s long term restructuring plan. Normally one would use a compass when completely lost…

“A compass can be of use at any stage, not only when you’re completely lost! A compass gives direction but doesn’t indicate a specific road. We have made a number of very clear choices and picked out a few roads to go forward. In the long

on employees. But I believe it is the most positive one, given the market circumstances. In terms of business strategy, the most difficult question is how to address the new market from an organisational perspective. The selling of a grower’s products will become the reference point around which we arrange our setup and services. Our people, knowledge and expertise will be integrated and concentrated in two commercial departments: a commercial products department and a commercial services department.”

FloraHolland mentioned that the company will steadily be transformed into a service company.How do you think this worked out so far? Rens Buchwaldt, acting CEO and director operations at FloraHolland.

run, we’ll obviously need more direction. We opted for the name KOMPAS because a compass provides direction and it allows you to make small adjustments in course while underway to keep heading in the right direction.”

In terms of business restructuring, before a business model is revamped, an experienced financial advisor is brought in to assess the current situation. How threatening have FloraHolland’s debt obligations become and how burdensome are its operating costs?

“I wouldn’t use those kind of words. On FloraHolland’s balance sheet almost 50% is risk-bearing financing. The bank financing comes on top of that. The actual solvency level lies somewhere around 23 to 24%. This is actually a very secure position. Meanwhile, for a company of our size we have maintained a somewhat small profit level. We aim to earn around €15 million per year, which allows us to build up equity

on a relatively small base. Looking at the operating costs, the current trend basically leads to an annual income reduction of around €5 to €10 million. Over the past three years, we have been able to cut costs and maximise our operating performance, in logistics in particular; to match the decrease, which was not that big at that time. We now need to look at the surrounding organisation to make sure that the size of the organisation fits with its operating activity. Operationally, the KOMPAS reform will bring the financial operating performance at the desired level. I am confident that the combination of reducing costs and investing in new services will really give us a strong base to move forward.”

While reorganising a company you have to make some very difficult decisions. What was the most difficult one?

“To stop the clocks in Bleiswijk and move them to Naaldwijk was the most difficult one. Also because it has a tangible impact

“We have taken quite a few important steps over the past few years in terms of business culture and attitude towards customers. Our Bloei project, for example, focused on service orientated business with higher customer service ratings. However, in terms of developing customised services for the right price and service level, it has been much more challenging. Our aim for the coming years is to develop new services that meet the needs of the market and provide us with income for covering the costs.”

The virtual market will be strengthened by a Netherlands-wide approach to auctioning. The Aalsmeer and Naaldwijk clocks will be linked together, while the number of auction rooms will be reduced. How will auction buyers and grower members benefit?

“A Netherlands-wide approach to auctioning is really to match supply and demand in the most complete way. We now have a situation with separate marketplaces for exactly the same products and more or less the same growers and buyers. Many of the large traders buy, and a majority of large growers sell at all three auctions in the central western part of our

country. An auction at ‘national level’ will lead to the best possible price for growers, given the market conditions. This is one big benefit. In addition, disconnecting price forming and logistics helps reduce costs in the logistical process. Auctioning is known for being a point in the logistic process that is not easy to manage. By disconnecting clock and price forming one can optimise the logistic process. Ultimately, this is a cost benefit for the entire supply chain.”

A virtual marketplace requires no more than one building. When will the auction rooms in Eelde, Rijnsburg and Naaldwijk close their doors?

“I wouldn’t call it an ‘auction building’. I prefer talking about places to serve customers. The key thing is that we have customers at different locations, each having their own internal processes. We want to make sure that they are served as efficiently as possible, no matter where the auction clock is located. It could even be a clock located in a cloud computing system as long as our customers receive their products in the most effective way. If you went back a hundred years in time, then it might have made more sense to build one big auction for the entire country and if we were to start from scratch this option could be considered. But with different marketplaces, different infrastructures that’s impossible. But in the very long run, like 100 years, it is difficult to predict what things will look like.”

No more physical clocks within five years?

”If we manage to set up a successful florist clock in Naaldwijk this will be the only remaining physical clock in the west of the Netherlands. All other auctions clocks will be run in a cloud computing system. But the logistic processes at our different locations will continue to exist.”

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

>>> 29

Interview Were all 1,500 (!) functions necessary, required and relevant for FloraHolland’s core business? One of the best running gags inside the auction walls was, that every FloraHolland employee had their own CAO (collective labour agreement)…. “We have a long history of growth and adding activities, at different locations and being separate cooperatives. We have a legacy that basically has added complexity for 30 to 40 years. Now it is time to take this away. Over 1,500 function descriptions in a business that employs about 4,000 people is too much.”

FloraHolland will realign the company according to its primary task: the selling of growers’ products. If you allow me to make a critical remark: today the auction’s only raison d’ être is to offer its grower members a better price than the external, third party marketplace.

“Our aim is to provide the grower with the best possible price at the lowest cost. In the past, we used to have a clock where a price was set. But growers started developing their own marketing ideas and this has changed the role of FloraHolland too. We aim at doing things that for the collective of growers make sense, subgroups will have to pay for extra services. When third parties in the market offer better prices, we should find ways to either provide the same services or, together with our members explore new marketing tools without hurting the collective value of FloraHolland. The very essence of a cooperative is: you are in it for your own gain, but your own gain can benefit from being part of a collective.”

I would like to rephrase my previous question. How can FloraHolland generate the best price for its grower members?

“I think by providing the steps as written down in KOMPAS. We should strive to achieve a national

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | November 2013

The auction clocks in Bleiswijk, which were officially launched by Queen Beatrix on March 5, 1982, will stop ticking.

clock system with exceptional buying power, to help growers understand the market and develop their own marketing strategies, to point them toward changes or opportunities. Gone are the days when auctioning only meant bringing your flowers and plants in front of the clock.”

You have €8 million at your disposal to drive sales and increase market shares. Aren’t those €8 million, which are now being used for consumer promotion, too ridiculous for words? It is an inadequate budget that only just covers the basic marketing costs, but lacks the recurrent funding for substantial consumer promotion. Why not spend these €8 million on B2B promotion? “Our annual general meeting voted for 0.2% of the revenue to be devoted to consumer promotion. You’re right; there is an on-going discussion between marketing experts and auction members about whether €8 million can really make a difference. Meanwhile, there are many product groups that put together money to carry out product promotion activities focused on one single crop. But you’re right, one could argue that €8 million is not very much and we should find ways to discuss this further.”

The number of management jobs will be cut by 25%. How many management jobs were there?

“Anywhere between a few hundred to maybe even 500 managers, depending on the definition of what a manager is. This 25% reduction should reflect a mind-set. We want to organise ourselves more simply. There is also another reason. As a service company, you increasingly need your resources, your energy outside the business to maximise the daily interaction with your customers. It doesn’t help if there are too many managers standing in the way of a process that really makes the difference.”

I foresee a problem with these exiting managers, as a carefully considered reorganisation usually includes bringing in qualified leadership…. “As you probably know Flora Holland has just appointed a new CEO, Mr Lucas Vos. Be assured that he will bring with him the needed leadership.”

How satisfied are you with the quality of leadership in FloraHolland?

“If you look at it in terms of professional skills, auctioning , logistics and marketing knowledge, we are quite good. In terms of a service

Dutch Comfort

by Jaap N. Kras

business, we are not that good. In certain places we need some new influx of leadership or specific knowledge, the newly apppointed CEO is part of that.”

Another key element of the reorganisation plan is to cut back the number of quality inspectors at the auction. The first thought that came into my mind was “The Russians will surely appreciate this bold decision making….” “Well, we didn’t consider the Russians as a specific target group. All joking aside, the market, growers and buyers, tell us that 50% of the trade is direct and not inspected, the remaining 50% of clock sales are only randomly checked. So eliminating this service is definitely the right way to go. If customers do want quality checks we provide them but they will have to be paid for.”

That doesn’t sound very service oriented to me... “It is. Is it more service oriented to provide a service that people basically don’t want, but have to pay for?”

How can individual growers be made responsible for their quality control?

“Fundamentally, they are already today. A grower is obliged to provide the details needed regarding product quality whether it concerns direct trade or clock sales. We check on a random and unannounced basis to find out if this is really the case. I am convinced that the market will dictate that the growers will act according to auction specifications.”

Will the quality of FloraHolland products be negatively affected by the decrease in inspections?

“That is one concern. We will stop gradually by assessing each product group first to see whether the specifications are enforceable in a free market. The specifications will continue to apply. Some of them are outdated and subject to different interpretations. We would like to make them as clear as possible. We will also carefully monitor quality during the first months to see what’s going on whether there is an increase in complaints. We believe that over a period of 12 months this system of auto quality checks can be in place.”

With KOMPAS underway, what will the company look like in five years? “When you think of KOMPAS in terms of its three-year time frame, it will lead to a company where direct trade flows will be bigger than auctioning trading. Given the current market trends, this will already be the case next year. FloraHolland will also be a much more service- orientated company, with income generated by services that people can freely choose; a company with an increased focus on market demands. What do people want and how can we act upon it quickly? Eventually we will also be a smaller company as each year we need to move with the clock volumes. Our natural attrition is 50 to 150 people per year and that will continue over the next few years.” |||

The band continued to play while the Titanic sank We all know the story of the band that carried on playing while the Titanic sank. We also known that during wars and occupation people wake up and go to work on time and try to act as if everything is normal. Another reality is that change is stressful. Introducing new ways of working or upgrading software can be a daunting task. Nobody likes to change their habits and routines and we tend to cling to the familiar. What did Obama change after all? Over the past few decades, automation has brought about many changes in the worker’s relationship with the job, often leading to negative reactions, consequences and resistance. This negative response is sometimes very understandable. Have you ever noticed that software sellers continue to sell their programmes at an exorbitant price without the guarantee that the system does what it is meant to do. Why do buyers accept that? What would you do if you found out that your new car did everything but drive properly? You can also end up in a situation where your employees are finally getting used to the new, but badly working software. So bad that you have to ask your employees to return to the old system. Then, as an employer, you are nearly completely lost. To get someone into the church in the first place is difficult, but to get a person back is impossible! On the other hand, so many software solutions have failed, not because of their bad quality but because of the resistance against them. In this case: train, train, train is the only answer. Why do people develop resistance against changes? Is it an intrinsic part of our psychological survival kit? Has it something to do with our herd animal personality or is it just mental laziness? In a rapidly changing economic environment, companies must embrace change. Customer needs change and grow and companies will have to create new demand for new products and find new ways of making money. Charles Handy taught us that every stage of the lifecycle requires different management skills. Existing management teams are often unable to carry out the necessary restructuring. Not because these teams are not intelligent, skilled enough or inadequate. No. Handy outlines that a company in the maturity stage requires totally different steering than a company in the turn- around stage. In the Netherlands and also Denmark, as I learned from my Danish friend Søren, the ornamental industry is changing structurally and completely. Flower and plant growers, who want to survive will have to get to know the consumer better. Finding out more about consumer behaviour will most probably allow them to produce in a more profitable way. Even when growers sell to wholesalers, it is very important to know how the consumer judges the flower or plant you grow. If the wholesaler can make a profit he will return to you as a producer to buy your flowers and plants. This is the right way to carry out changes. But it is not easy. Of course the industry will not disappear overnight and good companies have a future. But the pertinent question is whether we are strong and capable enough here in Holland to work on a fruitful future?

Jaap N. Kras jaap@floracultureinternational.com

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

World News The Netherlands FloraHolland appoints new CEO FloraHolland has announced the appointment of Mr Lucas Vos as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the world’s largest flower auction.

Happy Gardening by Anthony Tesselaar

Vision and risk are great partners How many people have that magic combination – vision and the ability to assess risk? Not many, but I have great respect for those who do. Not only are they able to see an opportunity most of us can’t, they manage to keep a level head when working out how to make it happen without loosing out. Like the transformation of the desert at Al Barari, Dubai, into a lush, waternurtured oasis. Looking at this shot (left) of a nursery facility surrounded by desert you wonder how anyone thought it was remotely possible they would succeed… In May, I was in Europe, and without naming names, I visited a grower who clearly has those qualities I admire. We’re well past the global financial crisis but the damage to confidence is longer lasting than anyone would have expected – so much so that I wonder if opportunities are being missed through over-caution (in other words, fear).

The 46-year old Lucas Vos will officially join FloraHolland on January 1st, 2014. Bernard Oosterom, Chairman of FloraHolland, stated, “We are delighted that Lucas will join FloraHolland. He will bring with him excellent business development skills.” Vos has a wealth of experience in logistics having worked with Maersk Line as Chief Commercial Officer. As of January 1st , 2014 FloraHolland’board of directors will consist of Lucas Vos (CEO) and Rens Buchwaldt (financial director). |||

GreenTech Amsterdam The new biennial trade fair aimed at the horticultural supply chain, previously known under the name HortiTech Amsterdam, last month announced it has changed its name to GreenTech Amsterdam.

Not so for this particular businessman who spent at least €12 million on facility upgrades over the past two years. Clearly, he has identified opportunities, assessed the risk and proceeded to make it happen. I saw the result and it looked fantastic: state-ofthe-art, best practice in three dimensions. It has already started to pay off on a practical level, and from an emotional view-point, I suspect his strong move will inspire others to find the courage to invest in the future rather than maintain a holding-pattern approach. Obviously, this scenario is not quite as extreme as the risk of planting millions of plants in a Dubai desert, but it shares the same factors – the ability to see what’s possible and weigh up the cost involved. And while we’re talking about that desert project, take a look (below) at what was achieved – a lush, green, genuine oasis. Clearly a risk worth taking. But back to the discussion of vision and risk, I should probably admit at this point that my particular business strength is in the vision side of things. However, I’m smart enough to recognise the value of having people with the risk assessment skills on my team. It’s thanks to their input that we’ve known when to step away from what looked like a brilliant – albeit risky – opportunity. And there will always be those moments. But the point I want to make is, that fear of failure or loss should never be the driving force in business, because it’s depressing to work under that type of siege-like scenario. It’s much better to be excited about possibilities identified, and be confident in exploring them knowing there are rigorous risk-analysis filters in place to guide your decision making. Maybe we should all admire that grower’s confidence to build his business and pull a few of our own, temporarily shelved, business plans out… And maybe we should also make sure we have a good risk assessor on hand when we do, to take part in the process…

Anthony Tesselaar hails from Anthony Tesselaar International, an international project management company dealing in plants, horticultural research & development and strategic water management. www.tesselaar.com / ATesselaar@tesselaar.com

The new exhibition will gather industry professionals and will be devoted to the entire horticultural industry including flowers and food. The event is set to take place at Amsterdam RAI from June 10 to 12, 2014. ||| For further details visit www.greentech.com

November 2013 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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India Update ‘India update’ will bring to you the latest happenings in Indian flower world. Your feedback & interaction will guide us to design the content on this page. Yes, you can add colour and fragrance to this page. Do contribute news, events, success stories related to floriculture from your region. Images and videos are most welcome, as they bring life to the subject. Digital format allows us to include all these. Your contribution will reach 38,000+ online readers. The number is increasing. If you communicate, one of our team members can also visit your location to cover the event or development. Let us share knowledge and grow together.

Scarcity of flowers hits rituals in temples October 27,

Bhubaneswar: The ritual of adorning deities in different attires, called 'besha', is hit because of acute shortage of flowers after the onslaught of cyclone Phailin and subsequent incessant rain. The Jagannath temple in Puri, where priests perform 22 types of rituals and change the attire of the deities seven times every day, has also borne the brunt of flower scarcity. "We need large quantities of flowers during the beshas, mostly in the morning and at night. But the supply of flowers has fallen by about 60%. Read more

Telangana crisis hits Bangalore’s cut-flower business

Flower prices double, Tiruchi merchants reap puja benefits

October 8,

October 13,,

Bangalore: Cut flower

TIRUCHIRAPALLI: The flower

cnsignments from Bangalore to

prices have soared up in the

Hyderabad have fallen drastically

district in the wake of Navarathri

by 50 per cent due to crisis in

festival. It has been a

Andhra Pradesh over bifurcation

heyday for the flower vendors,

of the State. “Normally after

who were complaining about

monsoon, daily shipment of

poor prices till a fortnight ago.

cut flowers (mainly roses) to

The price per kg has almost

Hyderabad is around one lakh

doubled for a majority of flowers,

stems. Now, due to crisis, it is

while it is thrice the rate for

down to 30,000-50,000 stems,”

flowers noted for fragrance. More

said Jayaprakash Rao, General

than the rise in prices, scarcity

Secretary, South India Floriculture

to meet the demand has been

Association (SIFA).

reported in several parts of the

district.

Source: The Hindu : Business

Line

Source: The Hindu

Source:The Times of India

Kashmir Ki Kali: Srinagar's famed Shalimar Bagh has been restored to what it was in Jehangir's time October 20,

Srinagar : In a television interview, conductor Zubin Mehta proclaimed that despite the controversy about the concert, Kashmir now had a beautifully restored garden, fountains, flowers et al. Many agree. “Zubin Mehta’s concert was the best thing to

Please write to us at floraculture@kisan.com Stay connected.

happen to Shalimar Bagh,” laughs Sheikh Irfan Qadir, assistant executive engineer in the Roads & Building department of the Jammu & Kashmir government. Read more Source: DNA