Xmas > Christmas News

UK Retailers Turn To Domestic Christmas Trees Suppliers

Fri, 21 Nov 2008

UK retailers looking to decorate their stores with Christmas trees this Xmas are being forced to source them closer to home, the British Christmas Tree Grower's Association has revealed.

Christmas trees are largely imported from Denmark but the weakening value of the pound against the Danish Krone and the Euro has made importing trees up to 25 per cent more expensive.

In addition to the current economic conditions, the traditional UK favourite, the Nordman fir imported from Denmark, has had a poor growing season and both factors are likely to reduce supply and increase price.

A spokesman for The British Christmas Tree Grower's Association said that retailers were likely to turn to suppliers in the UK, as the wet summer period had led to a great growing season in Britain, with a wide range of species and sizes available.

However, he warned that the rising cost of fertiliser and fuel would leave people potentially facing up to 10 to 20 per cent increases on some varieties.

He explained: "Due to previous shortages in Europe and the increase in value of the Euro relative to the GBP, it is unlikely many trees will be imported from outside the UK this year."

"In response to the increased cost of trees imported from Europe, we would like to assure customers that for the 2008 Christmas season there will be more than enough real trees available from UK sources to meet demand," he commented.

"Greater transportation costs will most likely lead to an increase in cost for British grown trees, but the range of species is wide and the varying sizes means there will be a tree suitable for every pocket."