UK Floral Industry Statistics

Floristry and Floriculture Industry Statistics & Trends (2022)

If you are a part of the flower industry, it is important to remain informed about your biggest competitors as well as the current market trends. This involves understanding sale trends, different flower popularity, and being prepared for major celebrations like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. By keeping track of the recent trends and statistics, you can make highly informed decisions for your business, and stay relevant in the floral market.

The floral industry is a global, diverse, and rapidly growing sector, which has gone through significant changes as technology and farming practices have evolved. It consists of three main components: the growers, the wholesalers, and the retailers. In recent years there has been a trend towards the elimination of wholesalers, resulting in lower prices for consumers.

Being able to understand the statistics within this industry can help to provide insight into the practices, trends, and business dynamics in the UK and worldwide. It is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges to the industry in the short-term, which could advance into long-term impacts as well.

If you want to find out more about the flower industry’s statistics and trends, keep on reading!

Top floral industry statistics

Here are some of the most notable statistics within the flower industry:

According to recent floriculture statistics, by 2024, the global flower market will have reached an estimated $57,400 million worldwide (Source A).
The global flower and plants market is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate of over 6% between 2021 and 2025 (Source B).
The UK market for fresh flowers and indoor plants is valued at £2.2 billion, which is equivalent to $3 billion (Source C).
Approximately 60% of the total £2.2 billion spent on flowers and indoor plants in the UK is from individuals purchasing them for personal use (Source C).
Since 2019, the Netherlands has played a major role in the global trade of cut flowers. They have accounted for more than 40% of all global export volume worldwide (Source D).
IBISWorld estimates the market size of the UK floral industry to be £854 million, with 12,788 businesses in operation, and over 18,000 citizens in employment within the sector (Source E).

Top floral industry trends in the UK

Here are some of the most notable trends that have been shaping the UK floral industry in recent years:

Sustainability: There has been a growing emphasis on sustainability in the UK floral industry, with many consumers and businesses seeking out eco-friendly options for their flower arrangements (it is not surprising that dried flowers have recently become a very popular trend online, as they are long-lasting, inexpensive and environmentally friendly).
Local businesses: Consumers are becoming increasingly more interested in supporting smaller, local businesses. This has led to the rise in popularity of locally grown flowers.
Seasonal flowers: Consumers are also becoming more interested in flowers that are in season.
Personalisation: Many consumers are starting to take interest in making their floral arrangements more personal and unique. This has been mirrored in a rise of custom flower arrangements, and personalised bouquets!
New and unusual flower arrangements: Consumers are becoming more adventurous in their floral choices, and have recently started to seek out more exotic flowers. These types of flowers add interest and variety to the more basic arrangement.
Online sales: In recent years, we have seen a rise of online shopping, which has had a significant impact on the UK flower industry. Many local florists now offer online sales and delivery services to their customers.
COVID-19: The pandemic has resulted in major changes in the floral industry, in the UK and worldwide. Many florists have had to face challenges with supply chain disruptions, reduced demand, and the need to adapt to social distancing measures. On the other hand, however, there was an increase in demand, when consumers sought out bringing in a bit of nature into their homes during the lockdown period.

How large is the UK floral market?

The floral industry in the UK makes up a significant contribution to the country’s economy.

The demand for flowers is driven by a multitude of factors, including holidays, weddings, birthdays, and cultural traditions. It is also influenced by global trends in flower production and distribution, as well as any changes in consumer preferences and spending patterns.

In recent years, the floral market has been impacted by a number of challenges, including the rise of online retailers, changing consumer preferences, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the industry still remains an important contributor to the economy, and is expected to continue to grow and evolve over the coming years.

According to IBISWorld, the market size, measured by revenue, of the floral industry in the UK, is £854.1 million, as of 2022. Between 2017 and 2022, the market size has declined 7.5% per year on average. However, in 2022, the market size is estimated to significantly increase by 102%. This previous decline can be attributed to the level of high competition and low barriers to entry. Supermarket chains are the largest source of competition within the floral industry, as their buying power allows them to place steep discounts on industry processes. In 2023, supermarket demand is expected to decrease, opening up a high level of opportunities for other retailers (Source F).

Consumers' spending on flowers in the UK

The total amount spent by consumers on flowers can vary based on different factors such as, the type of flowers, the occasion, and the location. However, is it justifiable to say that flowers are a significant part of many people’s spending habits in the UK. This is because flowers are typically bought as gifts for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. They are also frequently used to decorate homes, and in more recent years, there has been an increase in flowers being bought for personal use by UK citizens.

The Mintel Consumer Report (Source G), provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of consumer behaviour, habits, and preferences towards houseplants and cut flowers. In 2021, purchasing levels for flowers and houseplants remained stable; 50% of consumers purchased flowers in the past year. We saw an increase in the average spend on flowers and houseplants, which went up to £24.8 from £18.7. There have also been significant disruptions to the supply chain due to COVID-19. National lockdowns caused a notable number of florists to close their businesses, whilst supermarkets benefitted from an increase in trade. There has also been a change in consumer habits due to online shopping, with purchasing levels increasing by 55% over a period of 12 months.