For Circasia & Vuelven, or C&V as they are widely known, 2024 has been a year of multifaceted growth. In addition to expanding their farm by 8 hectares, bringing the total to 52 hectares, this Colombian rose grower has made significant investments in their post-harvest facilities and sustainability initiatives. This year is also marked by their successful introduction of the Felicity variety, while Explorer was planted for the first time, with its inaugural harvest expected in 2025.
Liliana Rodriguez and Roberto Suarez of Circasia & Vuelen (C&V) at the IFTF 2024 next to Felicity, one of their new and successful introductions.
Expansion
Let's first talk about the expansion. According to Liliana Rodriguez, Sales Manager at C&V, the expansion is a response to the increasing demand across their main markets, including the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and the Middle East. "We added 8 hectares of growing area this year, bringing the farm's total to 52 hectares. The expansion highlights C&V's ability to compete internationally, especially because its shipping costs are lower than Ecuador's. "This allows us to offer our high-quality roses at more affordable prices."
Demand throughout the year
The USA has emerged as the fastest-growing market for C&V, driven by the mass market's consistent purchasing patterns. "The US market is expanding rapidly, especially as mass retailers now buy flowers consistently throughout the year, even during traditionally slower periods like summer," Rodriguez explains.
Successful introduction of Felicity
Rose variety Felicity was introduced this year and was received with open arms, mainly in Korea, Europe, and the USA. "Special about this rose is its color and the way it opens. It's a unique variety, and we've seen strong interest across all our markets," the representative added.
Sustainability
To support its growth and address increasing customer demand for sustainable practices, C&V has made significant investments in green energy and resource management. Firstly, they invested in solar panels. "The farm currently sources 46% of its energy from solar panels, a system that was implemented earlier this year. We aim to reach 100% solar energy reliance within three years. Secondly, we invested in rainwater harvesting and last but not least, we are working to secure several certifications. We are, for example, Rainforest Alliance certified.
Post-harvest investments and future plans
The farm has also expanded its post-harvest facilities to accommodate the increased production from its larger acreage and new varieties.
For more information
Liliana Rodriguez
Circasia & Vuelven
[email protected]