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Millions of people will say “I love you” with Colombian flowers this Valentine’s Day

The flexibility and convenience of importing Colombian flowers to the Caribbean will allow consumers to enjoy beautiful Colombian blooms this holidayIt is estimated that Colombia will send more than 500 million flowers to foreign countries ahead of February 14

Millions of consumers in the Caribbean will receive flowers from Colombia this Valentine’s Day, announced PROCOLOMBIA, the Colombian government agency tasked with trade, tourism and investment. Colombia is the second largest exporter of flowers in the world, valued at more than 1 billion dollars each year. Only in the Caribbean, flower exports exceeded eight million dollars from January to November 2013. In this region, Puerto Rico is the largest importer of flowers followed by Trinidad and Tobago.

“We are very proud of Colombia’s flower industry,” said PROCOLOMBIA President Maria Claudia Lacouture. “Not only does it show the quality of the products being produced in Colombia, but the industry directly generates more than 120,000 jobs that provide opportunities for farmers and women in Colombia to become self-sustaining.”

Colombia has been exporting flowers for the past 40 years and dedicates over 7,200 hectares to growing these blooms. Because of the country’s unique sunlight, humidity, temperature and soil fertility, the region produces the largest variety of exotic flowers in the world, with more than 1,500 different species of flowers. Colombian flowers have won numerous international recognitions and are the country’s top non-traditional agricultural export.

Valentine's Day, celebrated every February 14, makes Canada and the United States the main export markets for Colombian flowers, but there are others with potential. For example, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and DANE, between 2012 and 2013 exports to new markets such as the Bahamas, Belize, Liberia, Armenia, and South Africa, among others were reported.

Colombia’s traditional red “Freedom” roses are the flowers with the highest demand around Valentine’s Day. Colombia also experiences an increased demand for alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, heliconias and full bouquets.

Colombia is the top global producer of carnations, including unique bicolor carnations that come in a variety of hues. The country is also a world leader in alstromelia production, which is one of the main flowers exported to markets such as Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and the Netherlands Antilles. Other popular flowers include chrysanthemums and gerbera daisies, which come in hundreds of different species and colors.

Colombia has made a continuous effort to promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility in its flower industry, implementing initiatives to assist workers with child daycare, scholastic aid, dental health and housing improvement.

The easy process in logistics for the import of Colombian flowers in the Caribbean is an attractive factor to buyers in that region. The Colombian flower industry offers several alternatives such as competitive prices, high quality and fast delivery times.

For more information on Colombia’s flower exports, please visit http://www.procolombia.co/en.