- As the global floriculture community gathers in the Netherlands for the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) 2025, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) highlights the country’s unique role as the beating heart of the global floriculture trade – supported by an unparalleled logistics ecosystem centered around Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
- Every year in early November, the IFTF brings together thousands of growers, exporters, logistics providers and industry leaders in the Netherlands – reaffirming the country’s position as a world-leading center for the international flower industry.
This vibrant sector showcases Dutch innovation, collaboration and sustainability, with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo playing a vital role in connecting farmers from Africa and South America to markets across Europe and beyond. Millions of fresh flowers arrive daily at Schiphol from countries such as Kenya, Ecuador and Colombia. Within hours, they are distributed to markets across Europe – a logistical feat that underpins the strength of the Dutch economy and enhances the Netherlands’ reputation as the gateway to Europe.
. The Royal FloraHolland Auction in Aalsmeer, located just a few kilometers from Schiphol, is a key pillar of this network, seamlessly connecting growers, wholesalers and international buyers. Combined with the extensive air and road network surrounding Schiphol, this integrated system allows flowers to go from greenhouse to global market in just a few days, ensuring freshness and quality.
The Dutch floriculture sector continues to show steady growth. In the first three quarters of 2024, exports of flowers and plants increased by about 3.5 percent, reaching about 5.5 billion euros. January 2025 saw an annual increase of about 7 percent, for a total of about 540 million euros. Page 1 of 3 2 Looking ahead, the Dutch floriculture market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.7 percent between 2024 and 2029 – expanding from around €4.9 billion to €6.2 billion. Meanwhile, global flower air freight services are expected to grow by about 5.1 percent annually, with European flows rising by about 4.2 percent. At the heart of this growth is Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, one of the world’s leading air cargo companies. Based in Schiphol, the company provides specialized transport solutions for temperature-sensitive goods, ensuring that every flower arrives fresh and on time. Its dedicated cargo aircraft, extensive road network and advanced cold chain facilities make it an essential link in the global flower supply chain.
“Flowers are not just a symbol of Dutch heritage – they represent a sophisticated, time-accurate logistics system that connects growers and consumers around the world,” said Geertjan Rowlands, Senior Vice President Commercial at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo.
“Our teams work around the clock to ensure every flower arrives fresh and on time, supporting thousands of jobs and keeping the Netherlands at the forefront of international trade. Our results in the perishable products sector have been growing year after year – from flowers and vegetables to fish. Schiphol’s strong logistics ecosystem, combined with our specialist services and cold chain solutions, is a winning combination. We continue to invest in these capabilities to further strengthen our customer offerings and maintain this unique competitive advantage.”
The flower trade contributes significantly to the Dutch economy, supporting more than 150,000 direct and indirect jobs in the fields of horticulture, logistics and air freight. The sector’s export value of over €6 billion represents a vital pillar of Dutch trade, innovation and employment – with Schiphol acting as the beating heart of this ecosystem. In addition to its economic importance, the flower industry also faces the challenge of sustainability. The sector continues to invest in digital logistics, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), next-generation fuel-efficient aircraft, intelligent temperature monitoring, optimized packaging and data-driven efficiency – all aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. There are many initiatives underway, but significant challenges still lie ahead. Collaboration across the value chain remains key to achieving tangible progress.
Together, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, Royal FloraHolland and the Schiphol logistics community embody the Dutch ability to combine tradition with innovation – ensuring that the Netherlands remains the beating heart of the global flower trade for generations to come.
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