Royal FloraHolland
We interviewed Amerik de Best, for 38 years he has been working at Royal FloraHolland. He has been auctioneer of Alstroemeria since 2019 and talks about his experience.
Tell us something about your background; how did you get into the field?
I have been working as an employee at Royal FloraHolland for more than 38 years. I started at the evening supply and then inside sales employee Relationship Management. From 2003 I started working as auctioneer on different products and since 2019 auctioneer of the Alstroemeria.
What are you most proud of what has been achieved with Royal FloraHolland in the recent period?
That the Alstroemeria was included as one of the first product groups within Rural Auctioning.
Briefly tell how things are going at the auction and what are the most changes in recent years (for Alstroemeria)?
The Alstroemeria will be auctioned in four auction groups in succession. Starting with the novelties/primes then Florinca, then the large Alstroemeria group and finally the group of Alstroemeria with length 60 and smaller.
What makes this sector so special to you?
Trading various cut flowers on a daily basis is a unique experience. Every day there is a new supply delivered within 24 hours all over the world.
Suppose you are a grower: what would you do differently than growers do now?
I would try to be more distinctive in various topics such as sustainability and the heavier segment.
What developments have you seen for the Alstroemeria product group since working in this field?
The Alstroemeria is moving more and more to the heavier clock segment versus the retail segment. At the National Auction, the Alstroemeria is the first product group to be connected, as is the new logistics divide. (order picking)
We'll interview you again in 5 years: what will have changed in the Alstroemeria product group by then?
I think the Alstroemeria is becoming more sustainably grown and there is more supply from African countries than from Holland.
What do you think most people (florists) don't know about the Alstroemeria?
That the Alstroemeria is available in so many colors and the durability even when the flowers are already open. The Alstroemeria may also be a bit more "in the picture" at florists.
How do you like to see the Alstroemeria?
I like the Alstroemeria best in a large monobos with different colors!