Sunflowers most popular in Europe
צילום: פליקס כהן
Holiday flower sales up despite recession
Israel Flower Growers Association reports 5% to 10% rise in flower sales during Passover, Easter period. Predict sale of 150 million flowers this holiday season with two thirds set for export to Europe
Flower growers foresee the sale of 150 million flowers ahead of the Passover and Easter holidays this year, said Haim Hadad, secretary of the Israel Flower Growers Association.
Hadad said two thirds of the sales will be for export, especially to continental Europe, Britain and Russia. A third of the sales will be domestic.
The breakout of the global economic crisis left many flower growers concerned that the branch would be seriously affected.
It seems, however, that despite the crisis, ahead of the holidays flower sales have not only remained steady, but have even increased by 5% - 10% compared to the same period last year such as electronic gadgets.
The rise could be explained by drops in the purchase of more expensive presents that were more commonly gifted in Europe last year.
In any event, it seems that families don't easily give up on buying flowers over the holidays, even in a time of recession and belt-tightening.
The flower growers' revenue is expected to grow thanks to the strengthening of the euro and the British pound, the two main currencies of the growers' target countries.
Revenues this year are expected to reach NIS 100 million ($24.3 million) from sales in Israel and abroad.
According to Hadad, the most popular flowers abroad during Easter are yellow ones, particularly sunflowers and goldenrods. Growers prepared in advance to meet such demands and planted an increased number of yellow flowers.
Roses and chrysanthemums are less popular abroad this time of year, but are in demand in Israel ahead of Passover, evening things out.
