A ‘behind the scenes’ look at the amazing FloraHolland Aalsmeer Flower Auction!

Since I first started studying floristry nearly ten years ago, the FloraHolland Aalsmeer Flower Auction, which is the largest trading centre for flowers and plants in the world, was one of those places that I’ve wanted to visit.  And when I was in Holland last week, I managed to pop in for a quick look around. What an AMAZING place it is!  I have never ever seen so many flowers together under one roof!  From a gallery above the auction floor, I followed a self-guided tour and captured some photos, which I’d like to share with you today…

The auction workers literally zoomed around the place on their little vehicles…mesmerising to see and they reminded me of watching an ant’s nest!

Below is one of the auction halls. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there early enough to witness the auction taking place, but plan to put it on my list of ‘Things to Do’ for the next time I’m in Amsterdam.

These photos can only give you a tiny insight into what goes on in the largest building by footprint in the world, covering 990,000 m² (10.6 million sq ft; 243 acres)! As well as flowers and plants from Dutch growers, there are also imports from many other countries including Kenya, Ethiopia and Israel, which are sold there.  The Top 5 Flowers sold in 2012 were (in order) Rose, Spray Chrysanthemum, Tulip, Lily and Gerbera. And Germany, the UK and France are the most important destinations of cut flowers and potted plants. I highly recommend a visit to the FloraHolland Aalsmeer Flower Auction if you’re visiting Amsterdam.  It’s about 45 minutes to an hour by bus from the city centre. If you’d like find out more details, simply click here for the FloraHolland Aalsmeer website.