If there is one product group in horticulture that travels a long way, it's bulb products. They do not travel literally from one side of the planet to the other, they also have to pass more stations of the floral chain than any other product. This chain is set in motion by the breeder — the inventor of the product. From there it is pushed on via many intermediaries, who all give their added value to the product: from bulb propagators, growers, and exporters to flower and plant growers to auction clocks, wholesalers, and retail traders to garden centers, cash & carries, and florists to the end consumer's vase or pot. That's a long stretch, isn't it?
Positioned strategically in North Holland's flower bulb region, bulb exporting company Zabo Plant plays a crucial role in the global lily market. This is why and how.
Zabo Plant's Strategic Collaborations
Their location is not just a physical advantage but also a key component in a network that connects bulb breeders, lily growers, and international markets.
As E-commerce manager Dirk Scholten emphasizes, Zabo Plant's role is essential in maintaining the flow of information and innovation within the industry.
Dirk Scholten:
"Zabo Plant has a unique position in the lily market, and it all starts with our strategic location in the flower bulb area in the head of North Holland. Here everyone who works with bulbs knows each other, which makes an unparalleled network and collaboration possible. We regularly visit growers, think along with them, and provide advice about cultivation methods and varieties."
This location fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge and advancements are shared between breeders and growers. This collaboration is critical for maintaining the high standards and competitiveness of Dutch lily bulbs globally.
Expertise in Export
Given that a significant portion of Dutch flower bulbs is intended for export, Zabo Plant’s expertise is indispensable. Dirk Scholten explains:
“Because most bulbs produced in the Netherlands are intended for export, growers value our expertise. We sell their bulbs worldwide and provide detailed feedback on which varieties are popular and which perform less well. Collecting this valuable information from our customers all over the world.”
Zabo Plant’s global market intelligence helps breeders and growers focus on the most promising varieties, optimizing production to meet international demands effectively.
Feedback Loop for Continuous Improvement
A key strength of Zabo Plant is its ability to bridge the gap between growers and the market.
Dirk Scholten:
“With these insights, we can advise exporters on which varieties do well in specific regions. We pass on varieties that are popular worldwide to growers so that they can optimize their cultivation schedules and respond to demand.”
This continuous feedback loop ensures growers are aligned with market needs and trends. By providing hands-on advice and visiting growers, Zabo Plant helps maintain high standards and ensures lilies produced to meet consumer preferences.
Dirk adds:
“Thanks to the feedback from our customers and the visits we make, we know exactly what the end user wants. They determine the trends in color, shape, and other properties of the flowers. By feeding back this information, we help growers and breeders to develop products that perfectly meet market needs. This makes Zabo Plant an essential link in the lily market, which constantly strives for improvement.”
Driving Market Innovation
Zabo Plant’s role extends beyond distribution to being a catalyst for innovation and quality improvement. By gathering and disseminating market insights, they ensure breeders and growers can adapt swiftly to changing demands, driving the industry forward.
Their strategic position, expertise, and collaborative approach make this bulb exporter a critical component in the global lily market. This ensures that the highest quality lilies are cultivated to meet international standards and preferences.
A Central Pillar in the Global Lily Market
In the competitive world of floriculture, Zabo Plant stands as a central pillar, ensuring the continued growth and success of the lily market worldwide.
All photos courtesy of Zabo Plant.
