Floratalk: Cargo

Every day, millions of flowers and plants from more than 70 countries come to Royal FloraHolland in the Netherlands to be traded through its logistics platform. They come via air and sea freight, but most come by road. An incredible feat that logistics service providers deliver together every day. They ensure that our growers' products get from A to B on time and in good condition.

Royal FloraHolland is betting on international growth with its 2030 strategy. This also makes transport more international. This can be via air or sea freight and makes logistics more exposed to geopolitical developments and international laws and regulations. To create and maintain an efficient and sustainable chain, the right conditions must be in place. That is what the Public Affairs department at Royal FloraHolland is working on.

They maintain a network with relevant logistics parties and governments, monitor current developments and translate their impact on the floriculture chain. Consider, for example, the Red Sea crisis and the impact on sea freight from East Africa.

For stakeholders, they highlight the characteristics of floriculture logistics and address issues. At an international air cargo conference in Belgium this year, for example, they drew attention to the dire air cargo capacity situation in Kenya. In advocating for our sector, they often join forces with other interest groups (including VNO-NCW and Evofenedex). It is more effective to join forces on common issues, such as air freight.

In addition to the focus on international logistics, it is equally important to ensure that the local role as a logistics hub in our hub regions is maintained. And also on connections within Europe.  After all, logistics activities have an impact on the local environment, such as noise and use of space. We work well with local authorities such as municipalities and provinces on this issue and, as Royal FloraHolland, take an active role in promoting more sustainable transport within the possibilities available in the region. This is to ensure that our physical platform, with logistics as its enabler, remains future-proof.