They say one man’s loss is another’s opportunity, and nowhere is that better illustrated than with the news that the UK’s last major chrysanthemum crop has been cut, to be replaced with strawberry production.
The UK berry sector has been one of the major successes of the horticulture industry over the last decade, and with production growth allied to a stream of new varietal development, the future looks rosy.
That couldn’t contrast more vividly with the UK’s high-energy cut flower industry, which is in intensive care.
Donaldsons has always been a savvy operator and it has remained profitable despite the incredibly challenging market. It is getting out because it received a tempting offer rather than due to fears over returns.
But for many cut flower growers - and this is increasingly the case for the Dutch as well as the British - the challenge of competing against the likes of Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya and Egypt, with their natural heat and light advantages, has proved too much to handle. The intensive cut flower industry, and particularly the low-margin supermarket trade, is moving south, and there is little anyone can do to stop it.
This is our final issue of what’s been an extraordinary year for the industry. There’s been plenty of ups and downs, and doubtless there will be more to come, but let’s hope 2011 brings stability and profitability to all.
A very merry Christmas to you all from everyone at FPJ. We wish you a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break.
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