For International Women’s Day on March 8, 80 million flower stems have been exported from Antalya to 35 countries, including Bulgaria. The largest share of the exports goes to the European countries the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, followed by Bulgaria, Germany, and Romania.
“Especially for Women’s Day, we achieved a 15% increase in flower exports compared to last year. Last year we exported flowers worth USD 9 million, and this year we received revenue of around USD 12 million. Our producers, who are mainly women, are very satisfied,” said Ismail Yilmaz in an interview with TRT Haber.
The flower sector in the Antalya region covers approximately 6000 hectares of land, with thousands of greenhouses. Women make up about 80% of the workforce in the sector, which employs roughly 400,000 people.
Flowers grown in the greenhouses are carefully cut, packed in warehouses, and transported abroad by trucks. Carnations, hyacinths, and roses are the most popular flowers for March 8, and they make up the main segment of exports during this period.
The top five countries importing flowers from Antalya for March 8 are the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Germany, and Romania. In addition, Russia, Ukraine, and countries in the Far East are also significant clients.
On European markets, pastel-colored plants are preferred, but white and red flowers are also in high demand.