Climatic conditions mean that Dutch growers are unable to grow all flowers and plants domestically throughout the entire year. In a bid to meet customer demand all year round, it is now possible for foreign growers to offer their products for sale via the auctions. This is subject to very stringent quality specifications. Firms from other parts of Europe as well as from Israel, Ethiopia and Kenya use the Dutch auctions and their distribution systems.
Sales at the Dutch auctions are the global indicator of the popularity of flower and plant varieties. Each year the Dutch floricultural sector publishes a list of the Top Ten cut flowers and pot plants.
| Top 10 cut flowers (2006) | Top 10 pot plants (2006) |
| 1. Rosa | 1. Phalaenopsis |
| 2. Chrysanthemum (spray) | 2. Anthurium |
| 3. Tulipa | 3. Kalanchoë |
| 4. Lilium | 4. Dracaena |
| 5. Gerbera | 5. Ficus |
| 6. Cymbidium | 6. Rosa |
| 7. Chrysanthemum | 7. Chrysanthemum |
| 8. Freesia | 8. Hydrangea |
| 9. Anthurium | 9. Spathiphyllum |
| 10. Alstroemeria | 10. Hedera |
