"Whether flowers are grown locally or are being imported, they need to be fresh at any time of the year, and I think we as an industry are doing quite a good job," says Fabio Chaparro, who is in the floral business for more than 40 years and owns a florist shop (My Finest Harvest Co.), in Florida.
"Having all kinds of flowers fresh and available at any time of the year, both from local producers and also from imported ones, benefits the market for florists and final consumers," he stresses.
According to Chaparro, the producer cooperatives do a great job of encouraging consumers to buy locally and from small growers, and at the same time, at a commercial level, they always include imported products. "Especially because from Colombia, for example, there are hundreds of varieties that are constantly grown and exported during the 52 weeks of the year (mainly roses and carnations). And at any time of the year, the cold chain and fast distribution results in fresh flowers at any time", he adds.
It is something we all know, but Chaparro stresses it once again: "Fresh products benefit the market for florists and final consumers, who will always have a wide variety of products to choose from."
For more information:
My Finest Harvest Co.
www.myfinestharvest.com