We are all very used to the idea of red roses being the flower
to give when we're struck by cupid's arrow, but are still
liable to complain about inflated prices and a drop in
quality. It's simply a question of economics though:
a dry subject to introduce when talking about love and
passion! But you cannot escape the fact
that it is simply a numbers game when it comes to buying
red roses on the most romantic day of the year. Here are
a few key facts about the economics of Valentine's Day:
• British people spend around £40 million on
flowers to say: "I love you."
• Sales of fresh flowers increase by 48% on average
sales levels.
• The majority of roses sold in the UK are flown
in from Colombia, Ecuador, Holland and Kenya, to satisfy
the huge consumer demand.
• Valentine's Day is celebrated on the same day
worldwide; therefore over 55 million roses - mostly red
- are traded on this one-day alone.
• Russians, Japanese and Americans are avid buyers of roses; and many
European countries spend three times what we in the UK do on fresh flowers.
• Most nations want 'Valentine's' red roses.
Looking at these facts it is easy to see why the price
of red roses increases during this period. It's not the
florist or wholesaler trying to rip anyone off, it's simply
supply and demand: too many people wanting too much of
the same thing at the same time! The UK consumer is keen
on value for money,
but is not always aware of the difference in quality from
one rose to the next. A standard short-stemmed,
small-headed rose will be cheaper, but a more
impressive offering such as a long-stemmed large headed
rose will be more expensive. It is like
paying for the Rolls Royce of roses rather than the Robin
Reliant!
Of the total number of stems coming in to the UK via the
Dutch auctions during the week leading up to
Valentine's Day only 11% are red roses. Is this an indication
that perhaps the UK consumer is being a little bit imaginative
and choosing an alternative to the ubiquitous red rose?
In fact, if you want to really surprise a loved one, how
about choosing something different this year? 
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