The low retail prices for flowers and plants are having an adverse impact on the floral industry and run the risk of turning flowers into nothing more than a commodity.
That is the stark warning issued by Caroline Marshall Foster, media spokesperson for The Flower & Plants Association (F&PA).
“A few pennies more would make a huge difference to the grower - many of whom who are struggling to survive and would probably help the supermarkets as well,” she adds.
While Marshall Foster said she can understand mass retailers will drive prices down and often use flowers and plants as loss leaders, she said this tactic doesn't help the sector.
“The insistence on keeping prices low is in danger of undoing all the good retailers have done in creating market interest and bringing flowers to the masses,” she said.
Despite the economic climate, F&PA is confident demand for poinsettias and other traditional Christmas plants and flowers such as roses, holly, ivy and mistletoe will be strong this year. Amaryllis and potted hyacinths are also firm favourites.
Marshall Foster says flowers and plants tend to be an impulse purchase rather than a must buy item. However, as Christmas Eve falls on a Friday this year, the timing should boost sales so long as weather conditions are favourable.
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