Just 120 companies are still growing roses commercially in the Netherlands, down from 765 15 years ago, according to new figures from the national statistics office CBS.

Some 283 hectares of land are currently dedicated to rose cultivation, less than a third of the 2000 figure.

While some rose farms have increased in size, the decline is largely due to increased competition from Africa, where many Dutch growers have now set up in business, the CBS said.

The Netherlands now imports roses to the value of €575m from abroad, of which 70% come from Africa. Most are destined for the domestic market.