"Every year, Valentine's Day represents a unique logistical challenge"

Federal Express Corporation expects to transport around 800,000 kilos of flowers from Colombia and more than 290,000 kilos from Ecuador during the month of February for the Valentine's season.

In 2024, exports from the Colombian flower sector recorded an increase of 8.8%, consolidating the United States as the main destination. Colombia allocates 95% of its flower production to export, which positions the country as the second largest exporter in the world, with a 20% share in the global market. The regions of Cundinamarca and Antioquia concentrate 98% of 10,000 cultivated hectares, highlighting emblematic varieties such as roses (19.1%), claves and chrysanthemums. This sector is a key pillar for rural employment, generating more than 200,000 jobs, of which 70% are occupied by women.

Exports from the Ecuadorian floral sector will reach approximately $997 million in 2024, consolidating the United States as its main market. Ecuador allocates a significant part of its flower production to exportation, positioning itself as the third largest exporter in the world, with a share of 10% in the global market. The regions surrounding Quito concentrate a large part of cultivated hectares, highlighting emblematic varieties such as roses, summer flowers and claves. This sector is a key pillar for rural employment, generating more than 53,000 direct jobs. Furthermore, the industry has proposed the ambitious goal of doubling its exports by the year 2035, aspiring to reach $2,000 million dollars.

"Every year, Valentine's Day represents a unique logistical challenge due to the natural loss of flowers and the need to deliver them quickly and carefully. Our team is working tirelessly to ensure that millions of flowers reach the United States efficiently and safely, supporting global trade and helping one of the main export products from Colombia and Ecuador reach its customers in every corner of the world", commented Eduardo Garrido, Senior Operations Manager FedEx ramp in Colombia and Ecuador.