FLORAHOLLAND, 1 November 2010 (press release) – In early 2011, FloraHolland will be starting a Tradepark in Bremen, Germany as a pilot. FloraHolland is embarking on this initiative on behalf of Florilog, an association within the Dutch floriculture industry. The Tradepark in northern Germany will primarily house logistics services. In developing this logistics center, FloraHolland will be working closely with its suppliers, exporters, and logistics service providers. The Tradepark will help reinforce the international position of the Dutch floriculture industry.
Logistics Services
Tradepark Bremen will be an international center, and will primarily house logistics services. Its development comes in response to the geographic shifts experienced in the production of ornamental plants and flowers, and the continuous need for efficient logistic flows within Europe. The development of an international Tradepark is in line with the recommendations found in a study performed by Florilog, which was focused on the international position of the Dutch floriculture industry. Its conclusions included the need for a decisive, international approach. The conclusions made by the Nijkamp Committee regarding Greenport Nederland 2040 reinforce this finding, which emphasizes the importance of this initiative.
Bremen as an international junction
Internationally, Bremen is an attractive junction. In addition to its advantageous location near a major production and consumption area, Bremen is an important international logistic junction for ornamental flowers and plans in Europe. By developing a Tradepark in Germany, geographic limitations are reduced, international trade contacts are encouraged, and social movements such as ‘local for local’ and sustainability are catered to. Tradepark Bremen can provide the Dutch floriculture cluster with logistic optimization, a reduction in the chain costs, and a reinforced assortment.
Collaboration is important
The success of the Tradepark will be determined by the level of collaboration between FloraHolland and its suppliers, customers, and logistics service providers. This collaboration is important for the optimal operation of the international Tradepark, which will only function properly if energy and knowledge of the sector’s parties are bundled effectively. Over the coming months, the future Tradepark’s organization and method of operation will be worked out further. The pilot in Bremen will show what Tradeparks such as this one can concretely contribute to the further development of the international market position of the Dutch floriculture industry.
About FloraHolland
The cooperative flower auction FloraHolland offers growers and customers a network of six national and international marketplaces (Aalsmeer, Naaldwijk, Rijnsburg, Venlo, Bleiswijk and Eelde), a national intermediary organization (FloraHolland Connect) and an internationally active Import department. Annual turnover exceeds 3.8 billion euros. FloraHolland, the world's largest auction organization, processes over 12 billion flowers and plants a year. Almost 4,400 employees work at FloraHolland.
About Florilog
Florilog is an association involving FloraHolland, the Association of Wholesalers in Flower Nursery Products (VGB) and the Association of Floriculture Transporters (VSV). The Florilog foundation is intended to achieve logistic improvements in the Dutch floriculture industry through renewal in the area of chain logistics in the international floriculture industry. The Florilog foundation was founded in 2006 and arose from a collective initiative by FloraHolland, the trade, and transporters. Within Florilog, the various participants collectively invest in logistic chain projects and logistic chain initiatives.