’Insecurity prevails after Brexit’
How’s England doing after Brexit?
‘You notice that less flowers and plants are going to England than before. You can also see it with the transporters: when they first drove ten lorries to England, they now only have eight. All exporters experience the consequences of Brexit, not just the people exporting to England. The demand is less, and this changes the market relations.’
And what is the market like in England?
‘Insecurity prevails. Everyone is waiting and that doesn’t benefit the market. It doesn’t matter whether it concerns flowers, cars or construction, everyone feels it. I think it’ll get round though. There is a chance that Brexit will not continue after all. London mainly ‘forgot’ to vote and that’s where the Brexit opponents are. And if it continues, the trade relations will be negotiated in such way that it remains the same in the practice.’
What effect does the exchange rate have?
‘As an exporter, we’ve become more expensive for the English purchaser. This also concerns the Dutch grower, which largely depends on the Dutch exporter. About 60% of the Dutch growers has a turnover of less than €250,000. They’re not big enough for the supermarket. Is there a future for these growers? I think there is, as long as they take care of a big assortment together.’
How important is a big assortment to you?
‘Very important. We’re a medium-sized exporter and we survive by offering a big and deep assortment. Another thing is adding value to flowers. We literally have to add more value by means of cross-pollination with other things such as decoration and design. And you can only do so when there are short lines in the chain. That’s why we also deliver to florists and event planners in England, and not to the importing wholesaler’s. That’s a matter of choice.’
About Jan de Boer:
Company: Barendsen, Aalsmeer
Job: CEO
Most important sales areas: Europe and Middle East
Purchase: own import clock, directly at growers
Staff members: 65
