Brexit boost for British flowers
If you want to say it with flowers, you’re likely to buy British or pay more from this month, as extra paperwork kicks in for cut flowers imported from the European Union.
Every cut flower delivery from the EU now needs a health certificate, and from July, physical inspections, too – both incurring extra costs. On top of this, there’s an eight per cent tariff on flowers imported via the EU from countries such as Ethiopia – where cut flowers like roses are grown.
“We’re preparing for a price increase of 10-15 per cent,” says London-based florist Hazel Gardiner. But she believes Brexit may accelerate a trend of buying seasonal, homegrown British flowers: sales are up over 40 per cent in five years.
“So many people are becoming aware of the environmental concerns surrounding imported flowers,” says Norfolk-based flower grower Cel Robertson. She’s had “ridiculous” demand this year, especially from florists. But only one in seven flower stems sold in Britain are currently grown here. “We’re all looking at expanding,” Cel says.