The Dutch Embassy in Mexico has been mapping the opportunities for Dutch ornamental growers. Its conclusion is that there is still untapped potential for the floriculture sector there. The country’s strengths include a high local demand for plants and flowers as well as the location.
Mexico's floriculture sector is growing significantly. In 2013, 75 percent of its 23,000 ha total acreage consisted of open-field cultivation and 25 % of greenhouse cultivation. Cut-flower production acreage grew by 42% in the past decade and mainly comprises roses and chrysanthemums. Meanwhile, plant acreage grew by 63% and mostly concerns poinsettias, africanas and geraniums. While the increase slowed down somewhat over the past two years, the North American country is picking up speed again.
The Dutch embassy in Mexico and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) conducted market research this spring together with JMT Consultores and Ornamental Plants & Flowers (OPF). Six hundred Mexican growers, ornamental plant traders, Dutch breeders and suppliers in Mexico completed the questionnaire. The survey highlights the challenges in the Mexican ornamentals market as well as the opportunities they hold for Dutch companies. At the end of November, they presented the results in a webinar.