Daria Bogacheva and Leonid Marcelo Tapia at the Flowers Expo in Moscow, Russia.
Expanding export markets
The main reason for their expansion is the increase in number of export markets. "At first we only supplied our flowers to Russia and the former Soviet countries, but due to the unrest over there, we decided to expand our export markets. Now, we are also supplying other countries like the Caribbean, the US, Europe, Mongolia and China. The demand from these countries is increasing, which forces us to expand the current greenhouse. Besides that, we also need to broaden our assortment as the needs of these countries are different compared to Russia and the former Soviet countries. We currently have 50 varieties, but we will get up to 82 by March 2016 in the new greenhouse," says Bogacheva.
Rapid growth
The greenhouse of Rosas del Corazon increased in size very quickly. In just a couple of years, they expanded their farm from 4 to 12 hectares. "In 2008, when the farm was established, they were growing roses in a 4 ha greenhouse. But due to the increasing demand for our big headed and long stem roses, we had to expand the greenhouse. So, in a couple of years we reached a size of 10 ha," says Bogacheva. Over the last two years, they added another two hectares and they are currently working on them. In 2016, they expect it to be finished.
Take advantage of a tough year
It has been a tough year for many Ecuadorian growers. For Rosas del Corazon too. "Even in these difficult times, we stay optimistic. Fortunately, over the last five years, we've had good years, which gave us some 'flesh on the bones'. This enables us to take advantage of the current situation where growers are not expanding or adding new varieties because of their financial position," says Bogacheva.
Rosas del Corazon
The owners of Rosas del Corazon have been active in the flower industry since 1993. In 2008, however, they established their first greenhouse in Machachi, about 45 minutes from Quito and started to focus on the cultivation of premium quality roses. "The combination of the altitude, 3,100 meters above sea level, the amount of sun hours, 12 hours a day, and the professional and caring staff, enables us to create these premium class roses."
For more information
Rosas del Corazon
Anastasia Dubrovska
email: sales1@rdc.ec
skype: sales1rdc
phone: +593 2 3957 563
cell phone: +593 99 476 5320
www.rdc.ec