Royal FloraHolland
An auctioneer speaking, Mark van Niel has been with Royal FloraHolland for 25 years. He gives a look at his field of work, the changes in the field and why the Alstroemeria appeals to him so much!
Would you introduce yourself, including your position or role, and briefly describe it?
I am Mark van Niel, 44 years old and working for 25 years at Royal FloraHolland. Since four years I am working as auctioneer, of which I am active for more than three years for the auctioning of the Alstroemeria. Since the end of November 2022 I sit together with Amerik de Best on the national clock where the Alstroemeria is auctioned.
Can you share a little more about your background and how you got involved in this field?
When my grandfather was a horticulturist, horticulture always attracted me. So I went from primary agricultural and horticultural school, to secondary horticultural school and then I started working at Royal FloraHolland. Since then I have worked as an inspector, supply manager and various commercial positions within the mediation of both plants and flowers. And now for four years I have been an auctioneer.
What are you most proud of what has been achieved with Royal FloraHolland in the recent period?
Central auctioning of the Alstroemeria on clock C06. It was quite an exciting time to see if everything went well and the buyers knew how to find us. Fortunately, this turned out well!
Briefly tell how things are going at the auction and what are the most changes in recent years?
Two major changes are currently underway at the auction. First, the distribution process has been converted to an order picking process in which the Alstroemeria was a forerunner. This has been trial and error, but it is now running well.
Furthermore, we are converting more and more products to central auctioning, which means that the products of all branches together are auctioned on one clock. Together with the other products on C06, the Alstroemeria was also a forerunner in this. Now it is the turn of the roses to be auctioned centrally. Buyers are very happy with this, they can better focus on the purchasing process. Rijnsburg will also be connected shortly.
Suppose you are a grower: what would you do differently than growers do now?
I think the growers in the Alstroemeria product group are doing very well! I would focus on the heavier assortment as a grower though and fully utilize all the features of the clock such as clock presales, Clocknews and the Novelty's.
What developments have you seen for the Alstroemeria product group since working in this field?
There has been a real shift in quality, growers are focusing more on the heavy segment than retail.
We'll interview you again in five years: what will have changed in the Alstroemeria product group by then?
There will be more trade from abroad, the acreage in the Netherlands will have shrunk, unfortunately.
What do you think makes the Alstroemeria so special?
The surprise the flower gives. When you buy it it is still in the bud and you can just see by the color, the further the flower opens, the more it will speak.
What do you think most people (florists) don't know about the Alstroemeria?
How wide and deep the assortment is! Many times they buy through wholesalers or line drivers and therefore do not get to see the complete assortment, a missed opportunity.
How do you like to see the Alstroemeria?
A nice mono bunch and then preferably mixed so you can enjoy it as it opens up to the beauty of its colors.
What is your favorite Alstroemeria variety?
The Alstroemeria Elegance always really appeals to me because of its stripes and green dots. But also not to be forgotten, the Florinca Tinto, this also remains a beautiful speaking variety.