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Overview of the Dutch horticulture Industry

Horticulture, an industry of increasing importance, can be broadly divided into two segments. Fruit and vegetables being one and foliage and cut flowers the other.

The Netherlands, is the biggest players in the flower and plants market. The Netherlands has today become the leader due to its high level of expertise and the drive towards innovation amongst propagators, breeders and growers. The industry today is changing from a production driven industry to a customer driven, market oriented product chain. Known as the “Wallstreet of global ornamental horticulture”, with the favourable climate and its unique logistical location of close proximity to Europe combined with perseverance in high quality production methods has enabled the Netherlands to reach an export market of over EUR 6 Billion per year. Today 10,000 Dutch companies are engaged in producing cut flowers and potted plants. Of the world's 13 most important producers of tulips, the Dutch are the one dominant force with 88% of production and a total surface of 10,800 hectares (while the number 2, France, only produces 2.4% of tulips on 293 hectares). The Dutch production of lily bulbs has a similarly unassailable position: producing 77% of lily bulbs, compared to second-placed France's 0.8%. The total production value of the horticultural sector is approximately EUR 7 billion and is growing steadily, with little vulnerability to market fluctuations, at 2% to 4% per year. The Netherlands accounts for 70% of EU trade in ornamental plant products, it accounts for 60% of global trade in flowers and its share ofr flower bulbs is over 90%. The Dutch are also the world's largest exporter of seeds.

In the area of Foliage and cut flowers, the Netherlands as the Wall Street of global ornamental horticultural trade and the largest exporter and importer of cut flowers and potted plants will find Sri Lanka's tropical climate ideal for large-scale export oriented investments in such areas as foliage, cut flowers and exotic fruits and vegetables. However, it requires processing and storage facilities. The Dutch dominate the global production and trade of flower bulbs, accounting for 70% of production. The main bulbs are tulip and lily. Major export markets are the US, Japan and the main EU countries.

The potential for organically cultivated horticultural products is significantly high as they fetch very attractive prices in international markets. Therefore, assistance in cultivation practices is essential. Sri Lanka hopes to promote the advancement of processed foods by finding suitable technological linkages with European SMEs. Technology partnerships with the Netherlands in the form of joint ventures and other collaborations, including the supply of plant and machinery is being promoted.

A wide range of fruits and vegetables in fresh form and semi processed and processed form are available in Sri Lanka. The fruit juice industry using locally available raw materials has a promising future in both domestic and export markets. There is an urgent need for establishing a properly coordinated fruit juice processing industry to make use of the surplus production of fresh fruits. Opportunities also exist in other food processing technologies such as canning and bottling of food, dehydration of fruits and vegetables , as well as frozen fruits and vegetables to create value-added fruit processing.

Dutch expertise for Sri Lanka

• Foreign gardens
• Experts and leaders in processed fruit & vegetable and juices.
• Global leader in plant breeding technology ( seeds & bulbs)
• Global leader in distribution of plant breeding material
• Green genomics
• Expertise in greenhouse technology