In Colombia, the quality of the flowers and the volumes of production are increasing. This enables them to enter new markets. Europe and Australia, for example, are markets that they are entering. In Europe, mainly the United Kingdom is supplied with Colombian flowers. Over the last few years, the Colombian growers have gained a stronger presence in that market. Also some growers are exporting to or are eager to export to Australia. It is a very interesting market but also a difficult market to enter. According to a grower that is exhibiting at the Proflora, the high competition from China is what makes it a challenge to enter the market.
Upper left: Andres Escobar and Jose Daniel Ospina of Montecarlo Gardens. They own 25 farms in Colombia and export all over the world and mainly to the USA and the UK. Upper right: Diego Velendia of Turflor with visitors. He grows 150 varieties of carnations and spray carnations in Colombia. His main export market is Japan. Bottom left: The team of Serrezuela. The family Samper grows roses, carnations, spray carnations and calla lilies in a 54 ha sized greenhouse in Colombia. They mainly export to the US, Russia and Japan. The volumes to Europe and Australia are increasing. Bottom right: Claudia Garcia Paez and Daniel Alba of Aposentos Flowers. They grow 42 varieties of carnations and 30 varieties of spray carnations in a 60 ha sized greenhouse in Colombia. Their main export market is Japan, but their volumes to Europe are increasing.
Besides the ability of the growers to expand their markets, the plans to improve the infrastructure will also boost the exports. At the opening ceremony held yesterday, it was explained that Colombia will improve their roads, sea- and airports in the coming years. As the roads are getting better, the growers from the higher parts of Colombia, in Bogota for example can transport their flowers to an airport in lower parts of the country, and it will enable them to transport more flowers. "The airplanes that depart in a higher altitude area cannot be loaded as full as airplanes in a lower altitude," explains a grower at the exhibition.
Not only are growers eager to bring their flowers to other markets, you also see huge interest from different counties to import Colombian flowers. This is clearly visible at the Proflora. According to many exhibitors, the first day of the Proflora was already full of visitors coming from all parts of the world. The show's management is expected to welcome 7,000 visitors from 60 countries this year.
FloralDaily is also present at this three-day event to make a full photo report and review the developments in the Colombian floral industry through interviews with exhibitors, growers and visitors. The photo report will be published on Monday November 2.