Twenty million flowers. Can you imagine that many blooms traded in a single day? Welcome to the Flower auction Aalsmeer. This isn’t just any flower market. This is the world’s largest. Right here before you stands a colossal building a testament to the global flower trade.
The Flower auction Aalsmeer wasn’t always this massive. It began in 1972. Since then it’s grown to become a logistical marvel. A place where flowers from over 50 countries arrive daily. They’re sorted cooled and prepared for the incredible auction.
Imagine the scene. Small trains carrying countless flower containers whiz across the floor. It’s a carefully choreographed ballet of logistics. High above the action you’ll observe from special galleries. You’ll witness the Dutch auction system in action. The price starts high dropping until a buyer commits.
The auction itself is surprisingly quiet. Most of the bidding is electronic. Buyers sit at computers watching large screens. These display auction information. The clock determines the price. The auctioneer sits behind glass. Traditionally they’d drop a ball in the clock. Now much of the process is automated.
Once a flower is sold the logistics kick into high gear. Wagons and containers are sorted and swiftly sent to loading bays. This ensures buyers receive their purchases. The flowers are then quickly transported to shops distribution centers or even directly to Schiphol Airport for export. It’s all done in a single day. By late afternoon the building is empty. Prepared for the next day’s influx of blooms.
The Flower auction Aalsmeer is open to the public. Though you need to arrive early. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the auctions are most active. You can download a self-guided tour app. This offers information in multiple languages. Including English Dutch Spanish German Italian French and Chinese.
So take a moment. Let the scale of the Flower auction Aalsmeer sink in. This isn’t just about flowers. It’s about the incredible human ingenuity and global cooperation required to bring these beautiful blooms from around the world to your vase. It’s a truly unique experience. A sight to behold and a story to tell.