General Managers Günther Esser and Cees Hoekstra are satisfied with sales at Veiling Rhein-Maas (VRM). The German auction’s turnover rose by 3% to EUR 424 million in 2023. Total supply of cut flowers, indoor plants and garden plants was lower, while average prices were higher.
Physical clock sales, remote buying and clock presales all grew at VRM. Clock service (i.e., mediation) was the only service to end in the red, since various large retail customers purchased fewer Dutch and imported cut flowers.
Esser and Hoekstra speak of stable sales of cut flowers last year. Supply was lower, partly due to the energy crisis and the wet and dark weather. On the other hand, the turnover of cut flowers was higher than projected, and developments in the potted plants segment were also favourable, leading to a greater total turnover than in 2022, even if prices lagged somewhat.