Colombia's flower industry keeps thriving for Mother's Day celebration

MIAMI, May 6, 2016 /CNW/ -- This Mother's Day most of the fresh cut flowers sold in Canada will be imported from Colombia. Mother's Day is actually one of the 3 most important dates for the Canadian flower industry in addition to Valentine's Day, and Christmas. Colombia is the largest supplier of flowers and second worldwide with more than 80% of its production reaching the U.S. and Canada. During 2015, Canada's total imports from Colombia reached US$650 billion where US$77 million is from the flower industry according to Canada's national statistical agency.

The floriculture sector is a substantial contributor to the Colombian economy. In 2015, the country exported US$1.2 billion of flowers mainly to the US, Canada, UK, Japan and Russia, where fresh cut roses, carnations, pompons, alstroemerias, and small carnations are sold in department stores, specialty shoppes, as well as online according to ProColombia, the Colombian Government promotion agency. Canada and the US alone import more than 173,000 tones of flowers representing more than US$40 million according to ProColombia. The industry also generates 130,000 direct and indirect jobs and provides employment opportunities for thousands of women.

Colombia is also the largest supplier of fresh cut roses for the US and Canada and chances are that 7 times out 10 these rose will come from Colombia. "Colombia's exotic varieties, top quality, streamlined export processes, and year round production due to its ideal climate are some of the main drivers which have gained the floricultural industry worldwide recognition," said ProColombia.

Colombia's floricultural industry has over 40 years of tradition and produces over 1,500 flower species grown in more than 7,200 hectares. The country harvests the largest variety of exotic flowers which has allowed the country to stay ahead of international trends. Today, worldwide demand is met by Holland, Colombia, Ecuador and Kenya, where Colombia leads as the largest exporter of carnations and the second of flowers. To support the industry, the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters (Asocolflores) brings together 75% of the national exporters as well as the Center of Innovation for the Colombian Floricultural Industry, Ceniflores the body in charge of strengthening the sector's competitiveness through government academic programs.

About ProColombia: Colombian government entity in charge of promoting exports from the country, foreign direct investment and international tourism.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrea Lopez, ProColombia Communications Director
Email: [email protected] Tel: [phone] Ext. 66173

SOURCE ProColombia, The Colombian Government Trade Bureau