Ecuadorian roses, famed for their size, vibrant colors and longevity, are increasingly popular in China, an ever-growing market where rose growers see as a crucial niche for exports.
Ecuadorian flower growers generated nearly 11 million U.S. dollars in sales to China in 2018, according to Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Chinese consumers are especially fond of Ecuador's tinted natural roses, which come in a variety of shades and color combinations, and preserved roses, Santiago Luzuriaga, the general manager of export firm Bella Rosa, told Xinhua.
"We are seeing that China's main demand is for tinted roses that are made through absorption. They absorb (color) through the base of the stem and it reaches the bud," Luzuriaga explained.
"In addition to being tinted, they can be painted, which is also popular. That is our main export product," said the manager.