Romania: March, the best month for the flower industry
In Romania, the month of March marks not only the celebration of Women’s Day (8 March) but also the traditional “Martisor” celebration of March 1, a tribute to the start of spring, turning March into the best month for the flower businesses in Romania. An analysis by the company Frames shows that women make a significant contribution to this business.
According to Frames, the flower industry in Romania could reach an all-time record this year of more than 3.5 billion RON (700 mln. EUR), based on the significant increase in sales and the diversification of the business in this sector. For the vast majority of florists, March 1 and 8 is the peak of sales, with a business valued at more than 30 million euros.
Flower bouquets
At an average price of 80 RON (16 EUR), if at least half of the ladies will receive a bouquet of flowers during this period, a simple calculation shows that more than 2 million bouquets will be sold. Sales recorded by florists could exceed 162.5 million RON, or 32.5 million EUR.
According to data from the National Statistics Institute (NSI), there were 4,063,000 women aged between 15 and 49 in 2023 (41.4% of the total female population). The estimate takes into account that more than 90% of flowers are sold in the city.
“Compared to previous years, the average price of a bouquet of flowers has increased significantly, from 40 RON (8 EUR) in 2020 to 80 RON this year (16 EUR). There are, of course, also cheaper bouquets, especially of carnations and hyacinths, but also bouquets and floral arrangements that cost hundreds of lei and are sold by specialized firms'', the NSI reports.
The value of flower sales on March 1 and March 8 is similar to last year's, as the fall in purchasing power will lead many customers to opt for cheaper flower bouquets. Over 2025 as a whole, however, flower and plant sales will most likely reach a new all-time high of more than 3.5 billion RON (700 mln. EUR).
It seems that the Romanian flower and ornamental plant market is maturing. Offers have greatly diversified, flowers are now sold in significant quantities in hypermarkets. And the positive development is also true for ornamental plants, not just cut flowers, which are recording a positive trend in sales in all shops. In other words, for many Romanians, having at least one ornamental plant in the house has become a pleasant habit," says Adrian NEGRESCU, Frames manager.
The Romanian flower business
Statistics from the Trade Register and the Ministry of Finance show that the number of firms active in the flower business has tripled from 2021 to the present, from 3111 firms to 9067 today. Their business has grown substantially, from 2.2 billion RON (440 mln. EUR) in 2021 to 2.87 billion RON (574 mln. EUR) in 2023. In 2025, preliminary data indicate that, due to inflation, the diversification of the offer and especially the increase in consumption, the business will reach the RON 3.5 billion mark (700 mln. EUR).
By comparison, 10 years ago, the business of companies in the sector barely exceeded 401 million RON (80 mln. EUR). And the sector's profits have increased from 29 million RON (5.8 mln EUR) in 2014 to 207.3 million RON (41.5 mln EUR) in 2023. In 2025, Frames analysts expect a profit of over 300 million RON (60 mln. EUR).
The more than 9,000 firms currently registered employ more than 6,000 employees, double the level 10 years ago. Most specialized firms are in Bucharest (1722), Ilfov (429), Cluj (413), Iasi (344) and Constanta (336).
Among the most important players in the flowers and other plants trade are Diva Sol SRL, Agroland Business System SA, Pet Network Europe SRL and Spic Agro SRL.
“Apart from the large flower importers (importing mostly from the Netherlands) the vast majority of companies in the flower sector in Romania belong to the micro and small enterprise category, with an average of 2 employees, an average turnover of 964,000 RON (193,000 EUR) and an average profit of 150,000 RON (30,000 EUR).
The vast majority of the companies in this field are micro-enterprises operating in the area of retail sale of flowers. They are firms that have kiosks on street corners or own small commercial premises. For many of them, March is the peak of sales, generating, of course, the highest profit'', shows the Frames analysis.
Flower assortment
On March 1 and March 8, the best-selling flowers are spring flowers, especially hyacinths and freesias. However, 2025 can bring more interest from Romanians for roses and snowdrops. Roses because the supply is higher than ever and the price has remained relatively stable, and snowdrops because they are low-priced and, in the context of the snowfall in February, are a relevant symbol of the coming of spring.
,,As the weather has been unfavorable, probably the imported flowers will be in the lead, because some varieties have become cheaper than the alternative from local production.
Many Romanian producers are strongly affected by rising logistical costs, with gas, electricity to heat the greenhouses and transportation being more expensive than last year'', NEGRESCU adds. “Unfortunately, as greenhouse costs have risen, many of the producers have given up and have moved into the flower import business,'' he added.
Beyond these trends, as in previous years, there is a significant demand for special bouquets, accompanied by gifts, which are mainly sold online. "Online offers of flowers and gifts are in the forefront, with the development of fast courier services and card payment, including interest-free installments, significantly boosting this niche market in urban areas," the Frames analysis also states.
Frames' analysis of the flower market business in Romania was based on the financial data reported by companies with CAEN (economic activity) codes 4622 (wholesale trade of flowers and plants) and 4776 (retail trade of flowers, plants and seeds) to the Ministry of Finance for the year 2023, statistical data on the dynamics of companies from the Trade Register and information from the National Institute of Statistics. The estimates for March 1st and March 8th sales in 2025 belong to Frames and were based on discussions with companies in the sector.
For further information Dutch companies can contact the LAN office in Romania at BKR-LVVN@minbuza.nl