Ecuadorian Flowers travel to the U.S. for Valentines
From Monday, Ecuador will start the export of flowers to the U.S. market because of Valentine’s Day.
On the day of love and friendship, people all over the world will express their love with gorgeous Ecuadorian flowers. The Ecuadorian flower sector began last Monday with great enthusiasm the exportation to the United States, Europe, Russia, and other destinations.
Known as the “paradise of roses”, Ecuador is identified for producing the best and most beautiful flowers in the world for quality, diversity and unique beauty, establishing firmly in over 100 countries, especially in Valentine’s season, Woman’s day and Mother’s day.
The process begins on January 27 and ends on February 9. Twenty days before Valentine’s Day. The work in the flower farms doubles because of the cut and packaging of over 35,000 flowers a day and in late January up to 70,000 or so. The first cut will travel to the U.S., Russia and Europe. The latest round of cuts goes to nearby countries such as Chile.
Bolivar Cevallos, owner of Galapagos Flowers, said Valentine’s Day demands not only roses, but other types like Riviera and also High & Exotic, or cartridges, gypsum, orchids, sunflowers, summer flowers, zingiberaceae, among others. He further explained that many exporters place orders with quantities representing 50% of red roses and 50% of other shades.
The United States is the main buyer of Ecuadorian flowers worldwide. Towards this market are exported roses, bouquets, floral arrangements, among others. Particularly U.S. market preferred roses with stems from 50 to 70 centimeters, while the European preferred 40 to 60 centimeters.
Alejandro Martinez, president of the union, said that the Ecuadorian flower is extremely healthy and productive thanks to the weather, due to a sunny winter with small presence of water, which has benefited the production.
The National Association of Flower Producers and Exporters (Expoflores) estimates an increase in export volume between 10% and 12%, considering that last year 11,417 tons of the product. were shipped.