Three-quarters of the total production of flower bulbs are exported to other countries. The bulbs are exported to over 100 countries. The Netherlands presently recognizes over 600 exporters of flower bulbs. But just as the production of bulbs has increased, so has the size of the firms selling them. Seventy-five percent of the flower bulb exporting is done by about 70 exporters.
Exporters also specialize in the different countries.
In this way, the buyer is better served. All exporters can become members of the Dutch Wholesalers Association for Flower Bulbs and Nursery Stock. Most flower bulbs are traded through purchasing and sales agents. But there are also two flower bulb auctions located in the Netherlands. The purchasing and sales agencies mediate the sales of the bulbs and balance supply and demand.