Colombian Floral Industry in Bloom for Valentine's Day

Colombia Exports More Than a Billion Flowers Each Year

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Feb 11, 2015, 09:00 ET

BOGOTA, Colombia, Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 government agency charged with promoting trade, investment, tourism and country brand to the world. "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."

In the United States, the most desired flowers for Valentine's Day are the traditional red "Freedom" roses. Leading up to and surrounding the holiday, Colombia also experiences a high demand for alstroemeris, chrysanthemums and heliconias. Sixty-seven percent of flowers purchased in the United States are bought as gifts for special occasions or holidays.

Colombia's global competitors in the floral industry market are the Netherlands, Ecuador, and Kenya. But, what sets Colombia apart from its competition is their variety of exotic flowers, such as chrysanths, asters, callas, gerberas, liliums, among others. With a strong reputation of exporting high quality flowers around the world, Colombia remains a major player in the floral industry around the globe.

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.

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 events and festivals in Cartagena, please visit www.procolombia.co.

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

SOURCE PROCOLOMBIA