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Why is Aalsmeer in the Netherlands important to the flower trade?
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Floral decoration
An eternal bouquet for the dead, limestone relief from Egypt, 4th century bce; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York.
Aalsmeer is a vital hub in the global flower trade because it serves as the primary center for floriculture in the Netherlands. Its importance is defined by several key factors:
- World’s Largest Auction: Aalsmeer hosts the largest flower auction in the world, which acts as a central marketplace for the international distribution of cut flowers and plants.1
- Production Hub: The region is home to numerous nurseries that cultivate a wide variety of blooms, including roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, freesias, and lilacs, as well as various potted plants.1
- Logistical Infrastructure: Due to its proximity to major transport routes, many of these flowers are exported globally by air. The town also maintains a thriving trade in seeds and nursery plants, supported by a state experimental station dedicated to the advancement of the industry.1
Through these facilities, Aalsmeer functions as a critical node in the supply chain that connects Dutch horticultural production to international markets.1