Guide to global flower auctions for Hong Kong florists

When it comes to sourcing flowers for your floral arrangements as a Hong Kong flower shop, understanding the largest flower auctions around the world is essential. These bustling marketplaces connect florists with a wide variety of blooms. HK Florist explores some of the most prominent flower auctions:

1. Aalsmeer Flower Auction (Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer):

   • Location: Aalsmeer, Netherlands.

   • Size: The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the largest flower auction in the world.

   • Building: The auction building covers an impressive 518,000 square meters (5,580,000 sq ft; 128 acres), making it the fourth-largest building by footprint globally.

   • Daily Trade: Flowers from all over the world, including Europe, Israel, Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, are traded here. Approximately 43 million flowers change hands daily, with a 15% increase during special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

   • Quality Checks: These flowers undergo around 30 quality checks and are graded on a scale (A1, A2, and B).

   • Auction Style: The auction operates as a Dutch auction, where prices start high and gradually decrease. Bidders have only a few seconds to place their bids before ownership transfers to the highest bidder.

   • Merger: On January 1, 2008, the Aalsmeer Flower Auction merged with its biggest competitor, Royal FloraHolland.

2. Royal FloraHolland:

   • Organization: Royal FloraHolland oversees the world’s largest flower auctions.

   • Branches: There are three major branches, ranked by size:

     • Aalsmeer

     • Naaldwijk

     • Rijnsburg

3. San Remo Flower Market:

   • Location: San Remo, Italy.

   • Significance: San Remo hosts one of the largest flower markets in Europe.

   • Variety: It offers a diverse range of flowers, including roses, carnations, and seasonal blooms.

   • Atmosphere: The market buzzes with activity as buyers and sellers negotiate deals.

4. Dounan Flower Market:

   • Location: Kunming, China.

   • Noteworthy: Dounan Flower Market is the largest fresh-cut flower market in Asia.

   • Vastness: It spans over 50 acres and handles millions of flowers daily.

   • Early Hours: The market operates primarily during the early morning hours.

5. Other Notable Flower Auctions:

   • Flower Market of Aalsmeer (Netherlands): Apart from the Aalsmeer auction, the surrounding flower market is a hub for wholesalers and retailers.

   • Bangkok Flower Market (Thailand): Also known as Pak Khlong Talat, it’s a vibrant market open 24/7, offering a riot of colors and scents.

   • Los Angeles Flower Market (USA): A bustling market where florists source fresh flowers for the Hollywood film industry and local events.

Each region has its unique advantages, whether it’s the altitude, climate, or sustainable practices.

A florist’s guide to using online flower auctions

Online flower auctions have revolutionized the way flowers are bought and sold, offering convenience, efficiency, and global reach. Here’s a HK Florist’s guide on how these auctions work:

1. Platform Access:

   • Online flower auctions operate through dedicated platforms accessible via web browsers or mobile apps.

   • Buyers and sellers log in to the platform using their devices (PCs, tablets, or smartphones).

2. Clock Auction System:

   • Most online flower auctions follow a clock auction system:

     • Clocks: Digital auction clocks display available lots of flowers.

     • Countdown: Bidding occurs within a specified time frame (usually seconds).

     • Descending Prices: Prices start high and decrease until a bid is accepted.

     • Winning Bid: The highest bid when the clock stops wins the lot.

3. Supply Chain Integration:

   • Growers directly supply flowers to the auction platform.

   • This eliminates intermediaries and ensures freshness.

   • Flowers move from the grower’s nursery to the buyer’s location.

4. Global Reach:

   • Buyers can participate from anywhere in the world.

   • Access to diverse flower varieties and origins.

5. Quality Checks and Grading:

   • Flowers undergo quality checks before auction.

   • Grading (e.g., A1, A2, B) ensures transparency.

6. Transparent Pricing:

   • Auction prices are visible to all participants.

   • Fair competition drives market value.

7. Logistics and Delivery:

   • Winning buyers receive immediate confirmation.

   • Flowers are delivered directly from the grower to the buyer’s location.

   • Efficient logistics reduce transport peaks.

8. Sustainability Benefits:

   • Reduced transport distances.

   • Freshness due to direct supply.

   • Cost savings throughout the chain.

9. Future-Proofing:

   • Online auctions adapt to market demand.

   • Flexibility in responding to buyer needs.

   • Continuous improvement and expansion.

10. Examples of Online Flower Auctions:

    • Online Flower Auction: Operates in the cloud, exclusively auctioning roses. Follows the “Today for Tomorrow” principle, ensuring efficient delivery from nursery to buyer.

    • San Remo Flower Market (Italy): Offers a wide range of flowers.

    • Dounan Flower Market (China): Largest fresh-cut flower market in Asia.

Online flower auctions combine tradition with technology, making it easier for florists to access a global marketplace and create beautiful arrangements.