Türkiye ships 80 million flowers to 35 countries for Women's Day

Türkiye's ornamental plant sector has completed shipments of some 80 million flowers to 35 countries for International Women's Day, with greenhouses in the southwestern province of Antalya operating at full capacity to meet international demand. The cut flowers—primarily carnations and hyacinths—are packaged in Antalya warehouses before being dispatched to destinations across Europe and beyond.

Export Growth and Key Markets

Ismail Yilmaz, chair of the Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters' Association, told Anadolu that this year's activity surpassed 2025 levels with a 15% increase in orders. "Last year, we exported $9 million worth of flowers for International Women's Day, and this year we made a turnover of around $12 million," he stated. The Netherlands remains Türkiye's most significant market, followed by the United Kingdom, with additional shipments reaching Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, and despite ongoing conflict, Ukraine and Russia.

Sector Employment and Production

Yilmaz noted that European buyers favored pastel-colored flowers this year, alongside significant orders for red and white varieties. The sector utilizes approximately 15,000 acres of cultivated land and provides direct employment for 100,000 workers, with an additional 300,000 employed indirectly. Women constitute 80% of the Turkish flower sector's workforce, underscoring the industry's role in female employment as Türkiye celebrates International Women's Day through this vibrant export achievement.