Why choose Plants By PNiT and Dutch growers?

Flowers have been a symbol of beauty, emotion, and connection for centuries. Whether it's for a birthday, wedding, or simply a cheerful home, flowers bring nature and ambiance into your home. But where do those flowers actually come from? There's a big difference between flowers that come directly from Dutch growers and those imported from abroad.

In this comprehensive blog post, you'll discover the differences in quality, sustainability, working conditions, and freshness between Dutch and foreign flowers. You'll also learn about the most famous exporting countries in the flower world, and why buying from Plants By PNiT—where everything comes directly from Dutch growers—is the better choice.

Dutch flowers: fresh, sustainable and top quality

The Netherlands is known worldwide as the flower capital. With nearly 43% of global flower exports, Dutch growers are at the heart of the international flower trade. However, most Dutch flowers remain available for local markets, with direct sales to florists and consumers through platforms like Plants By PNiT.

Why Dutch flowers are different

• Freshness you feel and see
  Dutch flowers are often sold within hours of harvest. This makes them fresher and allows them to retain their color, fragrance, and firmness longer. Imported flowers often take days to weeks to transport, especially when traveling halfway around the world by plane or ship.
• Short chain = lower footprint
  Because Dutch flowers are closer to their buyers and don't have to be transported over long distances, CO2 emissions are significantly lower. The footprint of Dutch flowers is, on average, many times smaller than that of imported flowers.
• Strict environmental and sustainability standards
  Dutch flower growers comply with strict regulations regarding water consumption, pesticides, and herbicides. Organizations like FloraHolland set high standards in this regard. There are also special quality marks, such as PlanetProof, that guarantee sustainability.
• Innovation and technology
  Innovative greenhouse techniques, optimized water and energy supply, and biological crop protection ensure that Dutch flowers are not only beautiful but also grown in a more environmentally friendly way.

Where do most imported flowers come from?

The European flower sector is largely supplied by several countries outside the Netherlands. The best-known exporters are:

1. Kenya

Known for roses and other cut flowers grown in large quantities for the European market, the warm and sunny climate allows for year-round production. Unfortunately, this also means the intensive use of pesticides that are banned in the Netherlands.

2. Ethiopia

Increasingly important as a supplier of roses, generally with more competitive prices than Dutch growers. However, working conditions and environmental impact are being questioned due to the intensive use of chemicals.

3. Colombia and Ecuador

Suppliers of various cut flowers, including roses and chrysanthemums, primarily supply North American and European markets. Air transport causes higher CO2 emissions.

4. The Netherlands itself

Not only the largest exporter, but also an innovation leader in sustainability and quality. Dutch growing conditions are controlled and sustainable.

Why are imported flowers less sustainable and sometimes less healthy?

• Transport and CO2 emissions
  Imported flowers are often transported long distances by air or ship. Air transport is fast but extremely harmful to the environment due to high CO2 emissions. Ship transport is more sustainable, but slower and requires special cold chains.
• Intensive use of pesticides
  In countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, pesticides and herbicides are permitted that are banned in the Netherlands due to their harmful health effects. This impacts both the people working on the farms and potentially consumers.
• Working conditions
  In some production countries, working conditions are harsh and unsafe, with long days, low wages and inadequate protection against pathogens.
• Quality and freshness less than optimal
  Due to long supply chains, imported flowers often have a shorter shelf life and are less firm, even if they look beautiful upon arrival. Florists also report that buds sometimes don't open properly due to stress during transport.

Why choose Dutch flowers through Plants By PNiT?

Plants By PNiT offers a unique concept: flowers directly from Dutch growers, without intermediaries, with a guarantee of freshness, quality, and sustainability.

1. Direct from the grower

By collaborating directly with local growers, Plants By PNiT can deliver flowers to the customer within 24 hours of harvest. This way, you always receive the freshest flowers.

2. Transparency and traceability

Every bouquet comes with a clear and reliable proof of origin. You know exactly where your flowers came from and under what conditions they were grown.

3. Sustainably and environmentally friendly produced

Because the flowers are grown locally, the climate impact is minimal. The growers Plants By PNiT works with meet the strictest Dutch and European environmental standards.

4. Support the local economy

By supporting Dutch growers directly, you help maintain a sustainable flower sector that provides jobs and stimulates innovation in our country.

5. Quality guarantee

Plants By PNiT works exclusively with growers who deliver the highest quality. Whether it's tulips, roses, or seasonal flowers, you'll always receive flowers that look beautiful and stay fresh for a long time.

Dutch flowers and imported flowers differ significantly in freshness, sustainability, and working conditions. Dutch flowers are fresher, more environmentally friendly, and grown under stricter standards. Plants By PNiT works exclusively with Dutch growers, ensuring maximum quality and transparency. By buying from Plants By PNiT, you not only support local growers but also enjoy flowers that are fair, sustainable, and beautiful.