Overview
- Wholesalers report a 5% to 6% rise in wholesale costs but say they will cap the retail increase near 2%, keeping a standard quality stem around €5.
- Sector leaders cite pricier jet fuel for flights from South America and a 23.8% increase in Colombia’s minimum wage as the main reasons for the higher costs.
- Sales volume is expected to match last year at about seven million roses across Catalunya, with Mercabarna-Flor supplying roughly 2.3 million.
- Catalunya’s roses are mostly imported, with about 80% from Colombia, 15% from Ecuador, and 5% from the Netherlands, and local production is minimal.
- Merchants expect strong foot traffic because Sant Jordi falls on a weekday after Easter, which they say favors in-city buying.