From mid-January through May, there's a major uptick in demand for fresh-cut flowers in the United States, and for good reason, it's Valentine's Day through Mother's Day – peak flower season. So, to meet this big demand, the US relies heavily on imported flowers, with airfreight playing a crucial role in ensuring timely and fresh deliveries.
In 2025, projections indicate another record-setting season, with key airports, major buyers, and leading logistics providers operating at full capacity to manage the influx. Flower import landscape The United States stands as the world's largest importer of fresh-cut flowers, with over 80 percent of its blooms arriving from Latin American countries, primarily Colombia and Ecuador. According to the Association of Floral Importers of Florida, more than a billion stems are expected to be shipped into the US during peak season, with roses being a big chunk of these imports.
By far Miami International Airport (MIA) serves as the central hub for US flower imports, processing approximately 90 percent of all incoming flowers. During the busiest periods, like the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, MIA's flower imports tend to double, making additional cargo flights and expanded logistics operations an absolute necessity. The airport's specialised facilities and dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure swift processing and distribution of floral shipments.
Read more at Air Cargo Week