Eighty percent of flowers that people purchase in the US are imported, and approximately two-thirds of the flowers consumed in the US are imported through Miami International Airport and PortMiami. This makes fresh cut flowers Miami Dade County’s number one perishable import. Over the years, the number of flowers that are being shipped via ocean has increased, and PortMiami, the largest destination port for cut flowers in the United States, also sees this trend in their statistics as flower imports surged 28.4 percent in 2023, compared to 2022. Also, for Valentine's Day, which was celebrated yesterday, numbers are up compared to last year.
Fresh cut flowers and the maritime industry
PortMiami leads the maritime industry as the largest destination of cut flowers in the United States coming via ocean vessels. In 2023, roughly 52% of all maritime flower imports, a total of 2,908 TEUs, were moved through PortMiami. The Port of San Diego followed with 21% of maritime flower imports. PortMiami increased its import volumes by 22% in 2022 when compared to the same period in 2021 and by 1045% when compared to 2020 volumes. PortMiami cut flower imports come from two main countries – Colombia with 55% of the total and Ecuador with 42% of total imports. PortMiami received $52.3 million in cut flowers in 2022, a 14.3% increase over the $38.1 million received in 2021. In 2023, PortMiami's flower imports surged another 28.4%, amounting to 428 million stems, increasing 94.8 million stems compared to 2022. A PortMiami Record.
With two express services from Colombia and Ecuador, Seaboard Marine is the top supplier of cut flowers at PortMiami. "This is due in large part to PortMiami’s excellent reefer technologies, which guarantee fresh flowers from the farms in Latin America to the retailers in the US," they say.
Fresh cut flowers and Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest holidays for flower purchases in the US. And over the past 10 years. Cut flower imports to the US have increased by over 30%. "Today, Miami is the proverbial Ellis Island for flowers. Approximately 76 million stems moved through PortMiami during this Valentine’s Day season (2024.) The majority of the stems come from Colombia (44%), with 27% coming from Guatemala and 24% from Ecuador."
Roses are the number one choice of flowers for romantics. "In fact, approximately 30% of the stems imported are roses, followed by ferns (12%), bouquets of roses (12%), chrysanthemums (4%) and mixed bouquets (6%.)"
The upward trend of cut flowers to Miami via water increased again this Valentine’s Day. Comparing the fresh-cut flower imports from January 1 to February 13, between 2023 and 2024, there has been a notable increase in stem count. "In 2023, during this period, the total number of stems imported stood at 73,450,293. In contrast, for the same timeframe in 2024, the stem count rose to 76,017,413 stems. This demonstrates a discernible uptick in demand for fresh flowers, indicating a growing market for floral imports during this specific period. This increase further highlights the significance of PortMiami as a crucial entry point for floral imports into the United States, reaffirming its status as the Maritime Flower Hub of the nation."
For more information:
PortMiami
1015 N. America Way, 2nd Floor
Miami, Florida 33132
Tel.: 305-347-4800
Fax: 305-347-4852
www.miamidade.gov