Despite the closing of many flower shops, Belgian wholesaler Agora is experiencing rapid growth. This is partly attributable to its shift in focus from its home markets, Belgium and France, to export to Eastern Europe. “Abroad, we don’t supply flower shops but other wholesalers who know the market,” the company explains.
Our visit to the Belgian family business Agora Kontich comes at a busy time. We are received in the headquarters’ Cash & Carry. Some flower shop owners are still stuffing their Danish trolleys, while others are already loading plants and flowers into their vans.
This is a scene that has been recurring here since 1981, when Marc and Gerd Van Turnhout-Nagels opened a Cash & Carry for florists and local garden centres in the town of Kontich. Gerd managed the Cash & Carry store while Marc purchased flowers at the auction in the Netherlands. The concept turned out to be a success, and the entrepreneurs from Antwerp saw their business grow.
