Antalya, known as the ‘world’s flower center,’ exported 75 million stems of flowers to 30 countries, primarily to the Netherlands, for Valentine’s Day on February 14th. The flower export of 8-10 million dollars mainly consisted of red carnations. The industry recorded a 20% growth compared to the same period last year.
Antalya, renowned for its tourist attractions and greenhouse production, sends flowers to both the domestic market and European and Balkan countries, contributing to the country’s economy. Industry representatives from Antalya, considered the ‘world’s flower center’ with the largest flower auction in the Netherlands, export flowers even to countries at war, such as Russia and Ukraine.
Acting as the flower supplier for 30 European and Balkan countries, the tourism city sent 75 million stems of flowers worth 8-10 million dollars for Valentine’s Day. Among the flowers, carnations were the top choice this year, with red being the most preferred color symbolizing love and affection.
Ismail Yilmaz, the President of the Central Anatolia Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters’ Association, mentioned that flower shipments are nearing completion. Yilmaz stated that flowers are sent via truck and air cargo, mentioning they have started the year 2025 energetically.
Yilmaz also highlighted that they are one of the top 5 sectors with the highest increase in exports. He said, “Compared to last year’s Valentine’s Day, we saw a 20% increase. We had a shipment of 75 million stems for Valentine’s Day and expect an income of 8-10 million dollars.
We sent flowers to countries including the Netherlands, England, Germany, Romania, Ukraine, and Russia. Carnations remain the most popular flower.” Yilmaz mentioned that due to high land prices where flower production takes place, they struggle to find sufficient production areas. He expressed that resolving the land issue would bring more foreign exchange from exports and added, “We have trouble finding places to buy or rent. We desire for the inactive lands owned by the Treasury to be utilized by the sector. This means more production and more foreign currency. Kenya applied this model, and today the export income, which was zero, has reached a level of 850 million dollars.”