Swiss flowers have only advantages - economically and ecologically

Swiss flowers have only advantages - economically and ecologically

For Pascal Speck, managing director of the Bern Flower Exchange, Swiss flowers have only advantages. Read his reasoning here.
Mr. Speck, how important are Swiss flowers for flower exchanges, and what are the arguments in their favor?
Over the whole year, Swiss cut flowers represent about 30-40 percent of our sales. So, they are very important. Moreover, they have only advantages, both economic and ecological.
What are the economic, what are the ecological advantages?
Swiss flowers are economically valuable because the entire added value remains in Switzerland, regardless of whether you look at it from the production or distribution point of view. But they are also sustainable. Because they are grown in Switzerland, transport distances are short, and they reach the florist very fresh. This increases their shelf life. Finally, biodiversity is promoted because a lot of native flowers are grown in Switzerland.
When are the busiest production months for Swiss flowers, and what are the top sellers?
We offer the most Swiss cut flowers during the open land phase, from June to autumn. Popularity scale? Difficult to say. But in terms of volume, Swiss-grown sunflowers are probably the best-selling cut flowers. However, dahlias and summer asters are also often grown in Switzerland because they are in great demand.
How popular are Swiss flowers with florists?
Quality-conscious florists have been using Swiss flowers in the warm season for years. But it seems to me that the Corona pandemic also made others rethink. When in the first wave there was a sudden lack of flowers from Holland, people suddenly realized that there are also Swiss flowers - and, moreover, beautiful and of first-class quality. Now the Ukraine war, with the threat of shortages in many areas, has once again heightened this awareness.
How important are Swiss flowers for end consumers?
I believe that Swiss flowers will be very well received. Unfortunately, consumers have not yet been made aware enough. There are a few flower stores that consciously advertise «Swissness». But more is needed for good market penetration. In any case, I am convinced that Fleurop will hit the bull's eye with this offer and hope that there will also be a broad-based rethink among end consumers.

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