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Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada - Market Research Report (2013-2028)

Dmitry Diment Dmitry Diment New York, United States Last Updated: September 2023 NAICS 41113CA

Revenue

$891.9m

2023

$891.9m

Past 5-Year Growth

Profit

$XX.Xm

Employees

3,562

Businesses

342

Wages

$XXX.Xm

Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada industry analysis

The Flower and Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada primarily sells flowers, including cut flowers, potted plants and nursery stock, like grasses, shrubs, bushes and vines. The industry has continued to fare with increasing external competition that have produced a long-term structural decline. However, favourable economic conditions have led to growth in disposable income and expenditure in residential renovations, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which have led to a temporary reversal of fortunes for wholesalers. These trends have boosted demand in downstream markets for discretionary goods, like flowers and nursery stock. Structural changes in the industry have also given room for wholesale price increases that have supported this expansion. As a result, revenue is forecast to rise at a CAGR of 0.9% to $891.9 million over the five years to 2023, although revenue will contract an estimated 2.2% during the current year.Given the nature of the industry as a go between for flower farmers and retailers, the growth of downstream markets influences revenue trends. The growth of per capita disposable income has enabled Canadian consumers to spend a greater share of their income on discretionary goods sold by home improvement and garden stores, which are the major markets of the industry's operations. Amid strong demand for flowers and nursery stock, the industry has been consolidating. This has reduced competition, which has enabled businesses to charge higher prices for their wholesale products and to become more efficient.The industry is expected to resume its decline as a result of long-term structural changes, with competition from alternative resellers expected to increase. Increased competition and pricing pressures will force more wholesalers out of the market as revenue continues to shrink. From 2023 to 2028, industry revenue is forecast to contract at a CAGR of 1.4% to $831.6 million, shrinking the industry to half its size over the preceding two decades. The industry's continued decline will occur in spite of favourable economic conditions, with disposable income and consumer confidence both expected to grow over the next five years. However, this will provide a lifeline to many remaining wholesalers, supporting demand for the industry's discretionary products and stabilising profit.

Trends and Insights

  • Rising completion from alternative retailers have prompted the industry’s long-term decline. By 2028, the industry is expected to shrink to half its size from two-decades prior.
  • The floral stock has expanded its share of total demand while contending with the challenges of growers selling directly to retailers. The nursery stock segment has become increasingly overtaken by direct-to-consumer sales.
  • British Columbia has a significantly larger share of wholesalers than its population. The province benefits from its flat land and climate, which are favourable for horticultural production.
  • Downstream industries aim to cut costs by buying flowers and nursery stock at the lowest possible price to maximize profit. Companies compete based on price to remain attractive while maintaining a bottom line.

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Industry Statistics and Trends

Market size and recent performance (2013-2028)

Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 0.9 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $891.9m in 2023.

Trends and Insights

Broad economic growth has translated to growth, despite the pandemic

  • The industry's products are considered discretionary goods since they primarily serve decorative and aesthetic purposes. As a result, consumer sentiment regarding their economic condition and ability to spend their disposable income on discretionary goods influences demand for flowers and nursery stock.
  • Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada
Revenue (2013-2028)
IBISWorld Logo Source: IBISWorld

Industry outlook (2024-2029)

Market size is projected to decline over the next five years.

Trends and Insights

External competition will outweigh all other factors, driving declines

  • Companies will face difficulties by additional encroachment from external companies as some cost-effective retailers purchase products directly from importers and suppliers for lower unit costs.

Biggest companies in the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada

Company
Market Share (%)
2023
Revenue ($m)
2023
Profit ($m)
2023
Profit Margin (%)
2023
Florists Supply Ltd.
14.3
N/A
N/A
JC Bakker & Sons Ltd.
5.4
N/A
N/A
Kato's Nursery
4.5
N/A
N/A

To view the market share and analysis for all 3 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.

Products & Services Segmentation

Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada
Products & Services
IBISWorld Logo Source: IBISWorld

Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Cut flowers, Potted plants and Nursery stock. Cut flowers is the largest segment of the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada.

Trends and Insights

Floral industry landscape changes

  • Floral stock includes cut flowers, like roses, lilies, gerbera daisies, tulips and gladioli, potted flowering plants and herbaceous perennials.
  • More insights available in the full report

Table of Contents

About this industry

Industry definition

Operators in this industry sell flowers, nursery stock and florist supplies. Distributors purchase flowers and nursery stock from farmers, and they also purchase florist supplies from various manufacturers. This industry does not grow flowers or plants, nor does it distribute Christmas trees, plant seeds or bulbs.

What's included in this industry?

Wholesaling of flowersWholesaling of nursery stock (e.g. trees, plants and shrubs)Wholesaling florist supplies, such as baskets, shears, floral wire, bamboo stakes, wreaths and wrapping

Companies

Florists Supply Ltd.JC Bakker & Sons Ltd.Kato's Nursery

Purchase this report to view all 3 major companies in this industry.

Related Terms

DROP-SHIPPINGFLORAL WIRE SERVICEMASS MERCHANDISERPROPAGATIVE MATERIALWHOLESALE BYPASSVIRTUAL WAREHOUSING

Industry Code

NAICS 2007

NAICS 411130 - Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada

Performance

Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.

Analyst insights

Rising completion from alternative retailers have prompted the industry’s long-term decline. By 2028, the industry is expected to shrink to half its size from two-decades pri...

In this chapter (4)

  • Current Performance
  • Outlook
  • Volatility
  • Life Cycle

Key metrics

  • Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
  • Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
  • Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
  • Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business

Charts

  • Revenue, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
  • Employees, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
  • Businesses, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
  • Profit, including historical (2013-2023)
  • Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
  • Industry Life Cycle

Detailed analysis

  • Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
  • Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
  • Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
  • How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.

Products and Markets

Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.

Analyst insight

The floral stock has expanded its share of total demand while contending with the challenges of growers selling directly to retailers. The nursery stock segment has become in...

In this chapter

  • Products & Services
  • Major Markets

Key metrics

  • Largest market segment and value in 2023
  • Product innovation level

Charts

  • Products & services segmentation in 2023
  • Major market segmentation in 2023

Detailed analysis

  • Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
  • Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
  • Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
  • Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services

Geographic Breakdown

Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.

Analyst insights

British Columbia has a significantly larger share of wholesalers than its population. The province benefits from its flat land and climate, which are favourable for horticult...

In this chapter (1)

  • Business Locations

Charts

  • Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each province
  • Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2023

Tables

  • Number and share of establishments in each province in 2023
  • Number and share of revenue each province accounts for in 2023
  • Number and share of wages each province accounts for in 2023
  • Number and share of employees in each province in 2023

Detailed analysis

  • Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
  • Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage

Competitive Forces

Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.

Analyst insights

Downstream industries aim to cut costs by buying flowers and nursery stock at the lowest possible price to maximize profit. Companies compete based on price to remain attract...

In this chapter (4)

  • Concentration
  • Barriers to Entry
  • Substitutes
  • Buyer & Supplier Analysis

Key metrics

  • Industry concentration level
  • Industry competition level and trend
  • Barriers to entry level and trend
  • Substitutes level and trend
  • Buyer power level and trend
  • Supplier power level and trend

Charts

  • Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2018-2023
  • Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart

Detailed analysis

  • Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
  • Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
  • Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
  • Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
  • Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
  • Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
  • Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
  • Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
  • Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.

Companies

Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.

Analyst insights

Family-owned Bakker is one of the largest industry wholesalers. Still, the company is relatively small with just 45 year-round workers and an additional 80 workers who are hi...

In this chapter

  • Market Share Concentration
  • Companies
  • Company Spotlights

Charts

  • Industry market share by company in 2019 through 2023
  • Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2023
  • Overview of Florists Supply Ltd.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
  • Overview of JC Bakker & Sons Ltd.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
  • Overview of Kato's Nursery's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023

Detailed analysis

  • Description and key data for Florists Supply Ltd., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
  • Description and key data for JC Bakker & Sons Ltd., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
  • Description and key data for Kato's Nursery, and factors influencing its performance in the industry

External Environment

Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.   

Analyst insights

Wholesalers are regulated at the federal level. The Competition Act oversees mergers and monopolies as well as other business practices.

In this chapter

  • External Drivers
  • Regulation & Policy
  • Assistance

Key metrics

  • Regulation & policy level and trend
  • Assistance level and trend

Charts

  • Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2013-2028) 
  • Assistance historical data and forecast (2013-2028) 

Detailed analysis

  • Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
  • Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
  • Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.

Financial Benchmarks

View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time. 

Analyst insights

Downstream industries aim to cut costs by buying flowers and nursery stock at the lowest possible price to maximize profit. Companies compete based on price to remain attract...

In this chapter

  • Cost Structure
  • Financial Ratios
  • Key Ratios

Key metrics

  • Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
  • Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
  • Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
  • Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio

Charts

  • Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
  • Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
  • Investment vs. share of economy

Data tables

  • Liquidity Ratios (2016-2021)
  • Coverage Ratios (2016-2021)
  • Leverage Ratios  (2016-2021)
  • Operating Ratios (2016-2021)
  • Assets (2016-2021)
  • Liabilities (2016-2021)
  • Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2013-2028)
  • Revenue per Employee (2013-2028)
  • Revenue per Enterprise (2013-2028)
  • Employees per Establishment (2013-2028)
  • Employees per Enterprise (2013-2028)
  • Average Wage (2013-2028)
  • Wages/Revenue (2013-2028)
  • Establishments per Enterprise (2013-2028)
  • IVA/Revenue (2013-2028)
  • Imports/Demand (2013-2028)
  • Exports/Revenue (2013-2028)

Detailed analysis

  • Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability 

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Data Tables

Including values and annual change:

  • Revenue (2013-2028)
  • IVA (2013-2028)
  • Establishments (2013-2028)
  • Enterprises (2013-2028)
  • Employment (2013-2028)
  • Exports (2013-2028)
  • Imports (2013-2028)
  • Wages (2013-2028)

Top Questions Answered

Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.

What is the market size of the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada in 2024?

The market size of the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada is $891.9m in 2024.

How many businesses are there in the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada industry in 2023?

There are 342 businesses in the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada, which has declined at a CAGR of 1.9 % between 2018 and 2023.

Has the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada grown or declined over the past 5 years?

The market size of the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada has been growing at a CAGR of 0.9 % between 2018 and 2023.

What is the forecast growth of the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada is expected to decline.

What are the biggest companies in the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling market in Canada?

The biggest companies operating in the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling market in Canada are Florists Supply Ltd., JC Bakker & Sons Ltd. and Kato's Nursery

What does the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada include?

Wholesaling of flowers and Wholesaling of nursery stock (e.g. trees, plants and shrubs) are part of the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry.

Which companies have the highest market share in the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada?

The company holding the most market share in Canada is Florists Supply Ltd..

How competitive is the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada?

The level of competition is high and steady in the Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling industry in Canada.

Related Industries

Widen your competitive advantage with related industries

Competitors

  • Farm Supplies Wholesaling in Canada

Complementors

  • Plant & Flower Growing in Canada
  • Nursery & Garden Stores in Canada
  • Supermarkets & Grocery Stores in Canada
  • Florists in Canada

International industries

  • Flower & Nursery Stock Wholesaling in the US
  • Livestock and Other Agricultural Supplies Wholesaling in Australia
  • Livestock and Other Agricultural Supplies Wholesaling in New Zealand
  • Flower & Plant Wholesaling in the UK

View all industries in Canada

Methodology

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Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.

IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.

What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?

Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.

Key data sources in Canada include:

  • Statistics Canada
  • Industry Canada
  • Canadian Business Patterns

Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.

These sources include:

  • Industry and trade associations
  • Industry federations or regulators
  • Major industry players annual or quarterly filings

Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.

How does IBISWorld forecast its data?

IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.

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