When it comes to Alstroemerias, wholesalers in the flower trade know one thing for sure – reliability matters. Grower Tesselaar Alstroemeria has built a solid name over three decades, and that reputation continues to show in how its flowers make their way from greenhouse to florist. Two major Dutch wholesalers, FM Group and Van Vliet Group, share how they view the grower’s products, service, and quality. Both companies work daily with Alstroemerias from Tesselaar and have clear opinions about what makes this grower stand out.
What's Special About Tesselaar Alstroemeria?
For wholesalers, steady quality and predictable supply make all the difference.
FM Group, a global flower and plant trader based in Aalsmeer, supplies wholesalers and florists across Europe. Product manager Marco Hooijmeijer has been in the flower business for over twenty years and says he’s been buying Tesselaar’s Alstroemerias for most of that time, often through the Royal FloraHolland auction. Even though much of his buying happens via the clock rather than direct deals, he describes Tesselaar’s offer as consistent and dependable.
“They give a clear product indication and weight classification, and what you see is what you get,” he explains. “That reliability is important for us – and for our customers too.” He adds that fewer Dutch growers are active in Alstroemeria, which makes stable partners like Tesselaar even more valuable.
Van Vliet Group, also a major player in international trade, has operations in several countries and serves both online and offline floral markets. Its flower buyer and alstro specialist, Fred Olree, echoes the feeling given by Marco Hooijmeijer. He mainly orders through digital systems such as Floriday, and he describes the cooperation with Tesselaar as “working extremely well.” Weekly pre-orders run smoothly, and he rarely faces surprises when it comes to availability or quality. That level of consistency has become a kind of quiet trust between grower and wholesaler.
Understanding the Four Alstroemeria Concepts
Tesselaar Alstroemeria is known for its four product concepts – Alstro Special, Alstro Lux, Alstro Elegance, and Alstro Nature – designed to help customers recognize different flower stages and applications. While the ideas behind them are clear to the grower, wholesalers say these distinctions can be a bit more abstract in the trading room.
Fred Olree mainly buys from the Alstro Lux and Elegance lines. “They’re easier to explain to our customers,” he says. “Something like the Alstro Special already has color and is perfectly usable, but try convincing a florist that a riper flower with color still has a long vase life. That’s not always easy.”
FM Group works with similar grading systems but labels them differently. “We use our own codes like first quality or super quality,” says Hooijmeijer. “It’s basically the same idea, but with our own terms attached.” He still appreciates the effort Tesselaar puts into clarity. “You know what you order, and you get exactly that. That is reliability. And that’s good for the market.”
Why Alstroemerias Still Win Over Florists
Beyond logistics and labeling, both wholesalers share a straightforward appreciation for the flower itself. Hooijmeijer calls the Alstroemeria a versatile choice: “It’s strong, lasts long, and fits in all kinds of bouquets. Even as a mono-flower, it looks good in a vase. Transport is easy too, which matters when you’re shipping daily.”
Olree has a more down-to-earth take. He compares choosing a flower to choosing a drink: “I like tea, sometimes coffee,” he laughs. “With a bouquet, it’s the same – Alstroemeria is just a good choice. It opens nicely, it’s colorful, and it’s worth your money. A Dutchman would say it’s a thankful flower.”
Looking Ahead
While both wholesalers see the Dutch flower landscape changing, with fewer local growers and more imports, they believe Tesselaar’s strong branding and quality focus will keep it relevant. The four-category system may still evolve as communication between growers, wholesalers, and florists continues, but what won’t change is the value of trust and reliability.
Check this time-lapse with Alstroemerias in a vase. Every day you look at your mixed bouquet and see something happening with this flower. A long vase life certainly counts.
Video from @tesselaaralstroemeria.
In a market where every stem counts, that’s what wholesalers seem to appreciate most about Tesselaar Alstroemeria – steady quality, honest presentation, and flowers that deliver what they promise once they reach the florist’s hands.
Header and feature image by Lenscapades for Floral designer Laura Draghici Emc / Chic Fleuriste.
