Colombian flowers welcomed in Japan and Korea

As part of the efforts to reinforce the export of Colombian flowers to Japan and Korea, Asocolflores organized a tour with Colombian flower growers to these countries between November 11th and 15th, 2024. During the tour, it was possible to see the diversity of colors, shapes, textures, and fragrances of Colombian flowers.

The tour, organized by Asocolflores with the support of Procolombia and the Embassies of Colombia in both countries, involved the participation of 9 flower growers from Japan and 13 from Korea. These growers showcased their products and collaborated on various activities aimed at flower buyers and importers in both nations. The tour also engaged wedding and event planners, florists, journalists, influencers, and, of course, final consumers.

The presence of Colombian flowers in Japan was marked by four key events, beginning with a showroom where flower growers had the opportunity to meet with local buyers. This event, supported by CEVA and Kuehne + Nagel, attracted over 100 guests, including prominent figures from the flower growing sector and Japanese celebrities, Ascolflores states.

"A moment worth mentioning was the live contest, where Japanese students who will become florists participated in a five-minute flower arrangement competition, using flowers selected directly from the exhibition tables of the Colombian participants."

The Flowers of Colombia brand was also present in Japan with floral workshop at the Florist Shop of Nicolai Bergmann.

The tour included a special event in Osaka, in anticipation of the Expo Osaka 2025. Ascolflores states that Colombia is the first country that cooperates in promoting the above mentioned Expo, through its Flowers of Colombia. During the event, flower bouquets with Colombian flowers were offered to the mayors of Osaka and Kita-Ku, and to the upcoming expo official mascot, Myaku-Myaku. Likewise, during a floral workshop, Myaku-Myaku´s attire was embellished with Colombian flowers.

According to Asocolflores, Korea is a main flower importer, with about 40% of its flowers coming from Colombia. Asocolflores prepared a showroom jointly with Procolombia and the Embassy of Colombia in Korea, where 13 Colombian flower growers met with over 50 Korean buyers and importers. A variety of carnations, roses, alstroemerias, and foliage were exhibited.

The session also included networking and a contest of Flowers of Colombia. The Flowers of Colombia 2024 Competition for University Students, with the slogan "Christmas Floral Fantasy", stressed the flower culture both at national and international scale. The students created arrangements with Colombian flowers promoting their use by professional floral designers.

During the weekend and with the cooperation of the Ediya Coffee brand, an ctivity was organized where customers who purchased Colombian coffee received Colombian flowers. "This initiative not only offered a complete sensory experience to the consumers, it also highlighted the benefits of flowers in terms of well-being, supported by scientific research about their positive effects on people."