What affects the range and cost of flower arrangements?

50% of Russians plan to give flowers on March 8th. This was found out by analysts from the Superjob portal. However, according to the OFD Platform, you will have to spend 15-20% more on a holiday bouquet in 2024. Prices have been actively growing since February and, according to analysts, will reach their peak by International Women’s Day. What amounts should buyers expect? And what factors influenced the increase in the cost of flowers? Grigory Kolganov will tell you.

More than half of Russians, according to a study by the Romir holding, plan to spend a maximum of 3 thousand rubles on gifts for International Women’s Day this year. Naive, florists grin: just one bouquet for the holiday will cost an average of 3.4 thousand rubles. Since March 2023, it has risen in price by more than 20%.

And we’re not just talking about tulips, purchasing prices have increased for several types of flowers at once, says PR director of the Flowwow marketplace Daria Oreshko: “According to our sellers, purchasing prices for flowers are growing from year to year. For example, if previously a tulip flower cost 20-25 rubles. per piece, now the auction price is considered to be 65 rubles. Also in 2024, the maximum increase in prices occurred for carnations and ranunculus. However, about a couple of days after the holiday, the price of flowers drops to its usual level.”

After the pandemic, many greenhouses have had their flower growth cycle disrupted; now they have to start it again, which means additional costs. In addition, the situation with imported plants becomes more complicated: new routes take twice as long. Companies have to overpay for logistics, and retail stores have to write off more and more illiquid stock. Because of this, according to experts, the cost of wholesale purchases increased by 10% over the year.

Men’s magazines emphasize that the number of flowers in a bouquet reveals a true gentleman; they are advised to give compositions of at least 29 buds. As Kommersant FM found out, retail stores actively support this trend, offering discounts for volume.

The most popular flowers for International Women’s Day are invariably tulips, but roses, chrysanthemums, mimosas, irises, hyacinths and gerberas also top the list. According to florists, this year the trend is lightness and airiness, so they suggest using shades of melted snow, transparent packaging, willow and birch branches. It is also fashionable to give flower arrangements in the ground; they will delight the recipients for a long time.

The period from February to March traditionally provides the highest income for florists; another peak occurs in September-October, when Knowledge Day and Teacher’s Day provide good sales. However, this year it has become harder to make money, says the owner of the Royal Greenhouses group of companies, Irina Rogovtseva: “Previously, the price rose due to the increased demand for flowers at auction, this always had the greatest impact on Valentine’s Day, because this holiday is celebrated by almost all of Europe. Accordingly, demand at the auction was higher. March 8 is a holiday, of course, mostly in Slavic countries.

In 2024, the price on March 8 is even higher than on February 14. This has never happened before. If the outlet does not open any additional sales options by the holiday season, accordingly, it can only count on a doubling of the increase.”

90% of imported flowers by March 8 are supplied by the Netherlands, Ecuador and Kenya. According to the Federal Customs Service, on the eve of the holiday, more than 300 tons of fresh plants are imported into Russia every day. However, wholesale markets with domestic flowers are becoming more and more popular among men. The prices there are more attractive, but you will need a creative approach – you will have to assemble the bouquet yourself.

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