'Bloomin' Expensive!' Border Checks Blamed as Mother’s Day Flower Prices Surge

The cost of Mother's Day flowers in the UK has significantly increased this year due to post-Brexit border controls, which have introduced extra expenses and logistical complexities for importers. These new measures have especially impacted fresh flower imports, resulting in higher retail prices passed onto consumers.

Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), criticised the border control measures, stating, "Our world-leading border is currently the most expensive and least efficient globally. This is a self-imposed crisis creating huge distress and significant additional costs that ultimately consumers must shoulder."

Sally Cullimore, Technical Policy Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), supported this viewpoint, remarking, "The current blueprint simply doesn't work for our industry. We are aghast at how things have been managed and deeply concerned about the lack of data provided to experts at the border."

Centralised inspection facilities have disrupted the business previously spread across regional centres, causing delays and additional expenses. Industry experts emphasise the urgent need for inspections to be available continuously to minimise these issues.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), representing the majority of flower importers, are facing significant additional charges due to new inspection requirements. These businesses have experienced substantial cost increases, placing further financial strain on the sector.

The increased expenses have resulted in higher flower prices for consumers during Mother's Day, reduced choice, and strained relationships within the industry.

Industry leaders continue to urge the government to revise its border control strategies, proposing decentralised regional inspections and allowing trusted businesses to manage their own inspections. These measures could offer a more efficient, less costly alternative.

As the floral industry continues adjusting to post-Brexit changes, consumers are advised to prepare for higher prices and potential delays when buying flowers for special occasions like Mother's Day.

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