Colombia expects to export 500 million flowers to the U.S. just in time for sweethearts to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14.
President of the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters Augusto Solano estimates that on average, Valentines Day sales make up 12% of the industry’s total annual profit. Between now and February 14, about 30 flights a day will be transporting flowers from Colombia to Miami. 15,000 flower stands and 22,000 supermarkets in the U.S. will be selling Colombian roses, carnations and lilies for the love-struck.
Valentines Day sales generate employment for some 200,000 Colombians, who work approximately 3,706 acres of flower cultivations.
The U.S. is Colombia’s biggest market for flowers, receiving 78% of all its exports.
Colombia is the second biggest exporter of flowers in the world after Holland, and the industry brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year.
