Auctioners' column: A fresh and green start to 2026!

The start of a new year always marks a moment of renewal and expectation. In this first column of 2026, auctioneer Erik Boland takes you on a journey through the dynamic world of flowers and plants, where trends, opportunities and seasons change rapidly. Be inspired by a glimpse of what’s to come. Together we will continue to grow.

Best wishes
First of all, on behalf of all the auctioneers at Royal FloraHolland, I would like to wish you a successful and, above all, healthy 2026, both professionally and privately. The start of a new year brings new opportunities and wonderful moments. Let's embrace the fresh breeze of 2026 together and ensure that flowers and plants brighten up our living spaces and gardens once again. Plants make our homes cosy and provide a green oasis all year round. Flowers are also important, of course – they are suitable for many occasions: to celebrate, to comfort, to show love or to thank someone. In short, flowers and plants are an excellent way to convey emotions and messages in a visually appealing and meaningful way.

Out with the Christmas tree, in with the houseplant
We have been using this slogan for a number of years to leave Christmas behind and give our living rooms a new look. It looks fresh and is good for your well-being. On the clock, I can see that demand for green houseplants is picking up again. We have already seen a clear price improvement for green houseplants on the clock in recent weeks. Demand for these has picked up again. This year, we are also focusing on sustainability and the importance of a green living environment on the clock. This is in line with what customers want and where the sector is heading.

What else do I see on the auction clock?
For the start of the new year, there are plenty of arrangements with fireworks and champagne bottles. Oxalis (also known as lucky clover) is also abundantly present on the clock. The plant is often accompanied by a chimney sweep on a ladder as a symbol of luck, prosperity and a new start. Once again, there are plenty of beautiful and fun products to market via the clocks, putting our growers and buyers in the best possible sales and purchasing position.

Looking ahead: Valentine's Day and Women's Day
Looking a little further ahead to the first “flower festival day”, we see 14 February on the horizon: Valentine's Day. Red roses are the favourite way to put our loved ones in the spotlight. This is quickly followed by International Women's Day. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Closer at hand, of course, are our bulbous and tuberous plants such as hyacinths, tulips, daffodils and buttercups, which will once again demand our full attention at the beginning of the year.

Finally, let's make 2026 a blossoming year together, full of green energy and beautiful flowers and plants that embrace us!