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Flower Industry News for October 16–22, 2026
Hello to everyone who lives and breathes the world of flowers! Welcome to Flores Agency and the third edition of our weekly news digest.
This week, the flower industry is once again full of contrasts. While the Netherlands faces declining exports, Armenia is expanding into new markets, and breeders are introducing a camellia that could change the traditional flowering season. Kenya is developing new approaches to international logistics, flower growers in Mexico are recovering from a devastating storm, and new business opportunities are emerging in the United States.
And, of course, we have an unusual and heartwarming story to share. Imagine a pharmacy where visitors receive bouquets of flowers instead of pills!
But let's take things one story at a time. Here we go!
Netherlands: Flower Exports Lose Ground
The global flower market has received a worrying signal. According to industry association VGB, the value of Dutch flower and plant exports fell by 1.5% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching just under $6.3 billion when converted from euros.
The pressure is particularly noticeable in the cut flower market: export revenue declined by 2.1%, while physical shipment volumes fell by approximately 1%. Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are among the markets experiencing weaker demand.
But there is an interesting detail: according to VGB, more unusual floral products are performing better than mass-market varieties.
In an increasingly competitive environment, originality and a well-planned product assortment may be becoming even more important advantages. [1]
Over 900 Tonnes of Flowers and 30 Countries: Armenia Expands Exports
While traditional export markets face pressure, other countries are expanding their international reach.
On October 20, it was reported that Armenia had exported 908.6 tonnes of flowers to 30 countries between the beginning of the year and October 12. Compared with the same period last year, its export network expanded to include 23 new markets.
Armenian flowers are being shipped to 14 European Union member states, as well as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and countries across Central Asia.
For growers, this creates opportunities to diversify sales. For logistics companies, it means additional demand for the international transportation of perishable products.
The story shows that even relatively small exporters can gradually strengthen their position in the global flower market. [2]
A Camellia That Changes the Traditional Flowering Season
Camellias are usually associated with the cooler months. But American company Plant Development Services has introduced an unusual hybrid called Early Surprise, capable of blooming from late summer until the first hard frosts.
The new variety was developed by crossing with summer-flowering Chinese camellias. It features large pink flowers, dark green foliage, and the ability to grow in both partial shade and sunny locations under suitable climate conditions.
The variety is expected to become available to growers in 2027, with its consumer market launch planned for 2028.
Why does this matter? Varieties like this could allow garden centers and nurseries to offer flowering plants at different times of the year, potentially extending their sales season. [3]
Tropical Storm Causes Severe Damage to Flower Farms in Mexico
Not all of this week's news has been positive.
On October 21, Pacifica Farms reported serious damage to its production facilities following Tropical Storm Rachel, which struck the Ensenada region of Mexico on October 10.
According to the company, flooding affected its Finca Ramona complex, damaging production areas, packaging materials, and refrigerated storage facilities. Other company sites were also affected.
Pacifica Farms is currently assessing the damage and restoring operations while warning customers about possible changes to delivery schedules.
This story is a reminder that resilience in the flower industry depends not only on cultivation quality but also on emergency preparedness, including backup capacity and timely communication with buyers. [4]
Kenya: 483 Flower Varieties from 14 Farms in One Shipment
Sourcing a diverse flower assortment from several growers is not always easy. Different suppliers, documentation requirements, and shipping schedules can turn even a routine order into a complicated logistics operation.
Kenyan company Naz Flowers offers to bring everything together in a single shipment.
The company works with 14 partner farms and says it provides access to 483 flower varieties through a centralized system for purchasing, quality control, and export documentation.
Products undergo centralized handling near Nairobi's international airport. According to the company, deliveries to countries in the Persian Gulf can be completed within 72 hours of order confirmation.
This is the company's stated delivery timeframe, not a guarantee for every order. Still, the business model is interesting: instead of dealing with numerous suppliers, buyers work with one partner, benefit from centralized quality control, and receive a single set of export documents. [5]
International Trade Show Brings Together Participants from Nearly 70 Countries
From October 14 to 16, the Global Produce & Floral Show took place in Orlando, bringing together representatives of the fresh produce and floral industries.
According to the organizer, the International Fresh Produce Association, the event attracted participants from nearly 70 countries. More than 1,050 companies showcased their products and solutions, while participation by retail representatives from outside the United States increased by 10%.
The floral industry also received recognition: Passion Growers and Charme Flowers were honored with awards for their exhibition booths.
It is important to note that the overall event statistics cover both the fresh produce and floral sectors.
For flower businesses, trade shows like this remain valuable platforms for meeting buyers, finding partners, and exploring new market opportunities. [6]
Up to $6 Million in Savings: New Opportunities for Colombian Chrysanthemums
Last week, we reported on changes to U.S. phytosanitary requirements concerning chrysanthemum white rust. Now, the potential economic implications for Colombia are becoming clearer.
According to industry association Asocolflores, simplifying certain procedures could potentially save local growers up to $6 million annually.
This is particularly important for Colombia. In 2025, the country accounted for approximately 98.6% of U.S. chrysanthemum imports, with shipments valued at around $143 million.
The changes follow years of scientific research and cooperation between industry organizations and regulatory authorities.
However, the expected savings remain a projection. To achieve the potential benefits, new export procedures must first be agreed upon and implemented.
It is a good example of how plant research can influence the economics of an entire industry. [7]
Europe: Flower Businesses Prepare for New Packaging Requirements
International flower traders are having to deal with increasingly detailed packaging requirements.
On October 21, Dutch industry association VGB announced preparations for an update to the sector's packaging register, VerpakkingsRegister Sierteelt.
The expansion is connected to the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, known as PPWR. The new registry features are expected to become available on December 1, 2026.
Industry organizations, packaging suppliers, Floricode, and Royal FloraHolland are involved in the project.
The goal is to establish a single reliable source of packaging material data, making it easier for trading companies to meet regulatory requirements.
For the flower industry, this is an important signal: data transparency is gradually becoming as essential to international shipments as packaging itself and transport documentation. [8]
Bouquets Instead of Pills! An Unusual Flower Pharmacy Opens in London
And finally, a story that's guaranteed to bring a smile!
Imagine walking into a pharmacy, describing how you're feeling, and receiving... a bouquet of flowers instead of medicine!
That's exactly the idea behind an unusual event held on October 21 and 22 in London's Soho district.
The temporary Flower Pharmacy offered visitors floral arrangements selected to match their mood. People could receive bouquets designed to inspire calm, bring happiness, provide a burst of energy, or simply offer a little treat for themselves.
The initiative was organized by Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, encouraging people to remember that flowers aren't just for special occasions. They can also be enjoyed simply for the pleasure they bring.
Of course, this wasn't a real medical pharmacy, but a creative floral campaign. Still, the idea is wonderful: sometimes a small bouquet can make even an ordinary day feel a little brighter.
And it's also a great example of how flower businesses can create new reasons to buy flowers while bringing positive emotions into people's lives. [9]
And that's our look at this week in the world of flowers!
New markets, unexpected varieties, complex logistics solutions, changes in international trade, and even floral prescriptions for a brighter mood.
Behind every technology, trade route, and creative idea are people who grow, transport, sell, and simply love flowers.
And now, we'd love to hear your stories!
If something exciting has happened at your company, if you've developed an unusual variety, introduced a new technology, or launched an inspiring initiative, send your news to Flores Agency. We'll carefully verify the information and will be delighted to share the most interesting stories in our upcoming editions.
Stay up to date with flower industry trends through Flores Agency, discover new opportunities for your business, and remember: good news needs a little nurturing, too!
See you next week!
Sources
[1] Dutch Flower Exports. Official Data from VGB. Reference Exchange Rates from the European Central Bank
[2] Armenia Exports Flowers to 30 Countries. ARMENPRESS Report
[3] New Summer-Flowering Camellia Early Surprise. Greenhouse Grower Article. Official Variety Information from Plant Development Services
[4] Tropical Storm Damage at Pacifica Farms. FloralDaily Report. Information from Mexico's National Meteorological Service
[5] Consolidated Flower Shipments from Kenya. FloralDaily Interview with Naz Flowers
[6] Global Produce & Floral Show Highlights. IFPA Press Release
[7] New Export Opportunities for Colombian Chrysanthemums. Official Asocolflores Publication. Additional Coverage by FloralDaily
[8] Packaging Register Update for the Flower Industry. Official VGB Publication
[9] London's Unusual Flower Pharmacy. Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland Publication. Additional Coverage by LondonWorld