Colombian Floral Industry In Bloom for Valentine's Day

Colombia Exports More Than a Billion Flowers Each Year

BOGOTA, Colombia, Feb. 11, 2015 /CNW/ -- With Valentine's Day right around the corner, millions of people will say, "I love you" with Colombian flowers.  Colombia is the world's second largest exporter of flowers and the top global producer of carnations, including unique bicolor carnations in a variety of hues.  As a global leader in floral exports, the industry is valued at more than $1 billion.

Colombia has been exporting flowers for more than forty years, with the majority of the exports going to the United States and Canada.  Because of the country's unique sunlight, humidity, temperature and soil fertility, the region produces the largest variety of exotic flowers in the world, with more than 1,500 different species of flowers. Colombian flowers have won numerous international recognitions and are the country's top non-traditional agricultural export.

"Flower crops in Colombia have high quality standards to ensure better sizes, preservation and colors in the flowers," said Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of PROCOLOMBIA, the Colombian government agency charged with promoting, trade, investment and tourism. "Beyond producing a quality product, the industry directly generates more than 120,000 jobs that provide opportunities for farmers and women in Colombia to become self-sustaining."

The most popular Colombian flowers in the Canadian market are roses, mini carnations and pompons, which are mainly distributed in Canada's big cities; Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. In fact, over half of all roses found in Canada come directly from Colombia, while the same is true for 97% of carnations, and 90% of Chrysanthemums. In 2014, Canada imported more than $85 million USD worth of flowers from Colombia according to Canadian government data. 

Colombia also stands out based on its reputation for quality – not only for its flowers, but for efforts to promote sustainability and protect its workforce.  The organization 'Asocolflores' represents nearly 75 percent of total Colombian flower exports, and is responsible for policies that protect worker safety and health. As well, the Colombian Association of Flower Exports and the certification program 'Florverde' are renowned for implementing sustainable, best practices throughout the flower industry.

These efforts and a history of high-quality products have helped Colombia remain a major player in the floral industry around the globe.

About PROCOLOMBIA:

PROCOLOMBIA is the government promotion agency in charge of promoting trade, investment, tourism and country brand. In order to obtain more information about the flower industry in Colombia, please visit www.procolombia.co.

For more information, contact:
Tara Mullins
646-520-6468
[email protected]

SOURCE PROCOLOMBIA