International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, has grown into a significant occasion worldwide, honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Traditionally, the holiday has been widely observed in Eastern Europe and Russia, where flowers play a central role in the celebrations.
However, its popularity has expanded globally, with more countries embracing the tradition and businesses increasingly marketing floral arrangements for the occasion. Here’s a closer look at how the floral industry responded to the growing demand for Women’s Day flowers across various regions in 2025.
The Netherlands: A Hub for Flower Exports
Dutch flower growers and exporters experienced a surge in demand in the weeks leading up to Women’s Day, particularly from Eastern European markets. FloraHolland auctioneer Bart Zomerdijk noted high sales volumes of roses, tulips, chrysanthemums, hyacinths, and lisianthus, with bright and vibrant arrangements symbolizing the strength and beauty of women. Buyers from Eastern Europe began securing large flower shipments well in advance to ensure timely deliveries. While Dutch flowers are traditionally popular in Eastern Europe, demand is also increasing in countries like Kazakhstan, Poland, Ukraine, and Romania. Additionally, Dutch exporter Duif Flowers reported a record-breaking rise in flower exports to Sweden.
China: A Strong Market for Women’s Day Flowers
In China, the Saturday timing of International Women’s Day in 2025 contributed to a spike in flower sales. The Kunming Flower Auction Center reported a peak daily supply of 7.29 million stems, a 12% increase from the previous year. Popular choices included carnations, gypsophila, roses, lilies, and tulips, with pink and white being the dominant colors. Locally grown carnations from Yunnan Province have gained popularity, reducing reliance on imports, though high-end Ecuadorian roses remain sought after. Additionally, flower exports from China rose by 20%, with markets in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia, Korea, and Japan increasingly purchasing daily shipments. The rising preference for pre-arranged bouquets also marked a significant trend.
Colombia: Growing Demand Despite Challenges
Colombian flower grower Pablo Bazzani of La Plazoleta observed a 5% increase in Women’s Day flower demand compared to the previous year, especially in Poland and Russia. Despite this growth, production limitations posed challenges in fully meeting demand. Specializing in alstroemerias and summer flowers, Bazzani highlighted their growing popularity due to their versatility and suitability for mixed arrangements. While Women’s Day sales are significant, they do not reach the peak seen during Valentine’s Day. Following the holiday, Colombian growers shift focus to the UK’s Mother’s Day market, another key sales opportunity.
Italy: Mimosa Blooms for Festa della Donna
In Italy, Women’s Day, known as Festa della Donna is traditionally celebrated with mimosa flowers. Flora Toscana’s bouquet-making department had a busy season fulfilling supermarket orders. Luca Del Vigna, the company’s purchasing manager, noted that early mimosa harvests from southern France were lower than expected, but production later stabilized, albeit at a higher cost than the previous year. Sales to supermarkets increased by 10%, with Flora Toscana surpassing 500,000 bouquets, including both mono-bouquets and mixed floral arrangements.
Poland: Supermarket Shelves Filled with Tulips
In Poland, Women’s Day is the second most significant flower-giving occasion after Mother’s Day in May. Traditionally, carnations and tights were popular gifts, but tulips now dominate, occupying 60-70% of retail shelf space, followed by roses at 20-25%. Other commonly purchased flowers include alstroemeria, daffodils, and irises. While high-end floral arrangements remain rare in Polish supermarkets, increasing economic prosperity may drive future demand for designer bouquets. However, tulip prices saw a 35% rise in 2024 due to higher bulb costs, creating supply chain challenges. Despite this, Polish retailers engaged in price competition, with some, like Dino, emphasizing locally grown tulips through special packaging.
Japan: Expanding Calandiva’s Market Presence
In Japan, Dümmen Orange capitalized on International Women’s Day by promoting Calandiva plants. With mimosa prices rising, the company positioned Calandiva as a long-lasting alternative. Select Tokyo retailers featured branded sleeves, in-store displays, and exclusive gift packaging to attract consumers. “Calandiva’s vibrant and enduring blooms make them an ideal tribute to the beauty and strength of women,” said Mayuko Mito, Marketing Manager at Dümmen Orange Japan.
Women’s Day Growth in Other Markets
Beyond these key regions, Women’s Day flower sales saw record-breaking trends worldwide. In Turkey, flower exports reached an all-time high of 75 million stems. Uzbekistan experienced price surges due to increased local demand, while flower costs in Kazan, Russia, rose by 20%. Over 50,000 orchids were imported from Thailand to Siberia, reflecting a growing interest in exotic flowers. In the UK, major retailers like Tesco curated special floral arrangements for the occasion, indicating the holiday’s rising prominence in British retail. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, roses remained the top choice, though overall flower orders saw a slight decline due to the holiday falling on a Saturday.
International Women’s Day continues to gain traction as a floral holiday, with increasing demand across multiple continents. While Eastern Europe remains a key market, countries such as China, Japan, and the UK are showing significant growth in Women’s Day flower sales. As global appreciation for the holiday expands, floriculture businesses worldwide are adapting to meet shifting consumer preferences, ensuring that flowers remain at the heart of this celebration of women’s achievements.