Turnover at FloraHolland, the biggest plant and cut flower auction in the world, rose 7% last year despite the tough winter.

Dutch-grown flowers accounted for the bulk of the increase as imports were hit by the snow and air traffic disruption caused by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud.
Turnover at the cooperative group reached €4.13bn as average prices rose to 21 cents per bloom. Volumes were up just 1%. Net profit more than doubled to €12.3m, boosted by lower labour costs and land sales, the Financieele Dagblad said.