The floral market linked to the commemoration of the dead, which is celebrated on November 2, generates a turnover close to 300 million euros. The average expenditure per family is around 30 euros, but the costs of raw materials have increased by almost 20% due to adverse weather conditions. This is what emerged from the analysis conducted by Assofioristi Confesercenti in view of this significant date.

According to President Ignazio Ferrante, drought has compromised the harvests and the recent bad weather has damaged the fields and greenhouses, leading to a reduction in the availability of flowers of 33% compared to last year. This situation has forced producers to raise prices, an increase that directly affects consumers and puts traders in difficulty, who find themselves with extremely reduced profit margins.

Ferrante points out that buying flowers from countries such as the Netherlands, Kenya, Ethiopia and Ecuador involves additional costs due to transport and storage of the products. The sector is facing enormous difficulties not only due to the increase in the cost of raw materials, but also due to high commissions on electronic payments and competition from illegal operators. The latter take advantage of special occasions such as November 2, Valentine’s Day or March 8 to sell low-quality flowers without paying taxes, depriving legal operators of approximately 400 million euros annually.

Ferrante calls on the government to intervene to support small businesses in the floral distribution sector, such as local shops, kiosks and garden centres. These businesses have helped make cities livelier and safer over the years. The disappearance of the floral sector, as has happened to other commercial activities, could lead to economic desertification in towns and villages, while also encouraging the growth of the illegal market in those areas where it is becoming increasingly difficult to find quality goods or services.