You probably know Mystic Flowers from their premium roses grown in Ecuador. It is the wholesale brand of Colour Republic, but did you also know that they also offer summer flowers?
In 2020, they acquired Eternal Flower Farm, bringing their wholesale market production acreage to 80ha of roses and 49ha of summer flowers and growing, and a lot more has happened over the past few years. They set up an R&D department where they focus their energy on understanding not only what their clients need but also the consumer trends (the consumers being florists, event planners, floral artists, etc.). They have also shipped their first flowers to the EU by sea and expanded their markets worldwide. And all of this with sustainability still firmly engrained in their DNA. Mystic Flowers' Maria Belén Munoz Suarez explains more.
Started with 17ha in 1997
"In 1997, Mystic Flowers was born, and we focused on growing and exporting premium quality roses from the very beginning, as well as supplying the wholesale market."
"We now specialize in producing and commercializing roses and summer flowers to the wholesale market all over the world. Our goal is to inspire the industry by providing them with the latest trends and most stunning varieties all year long."
R&D department
They have specialized teams such as planning and marketing as well as the previously mentioned R&D department.
One of the processes they are most excited about is the R&D department, which is understandable and of crucial importance to the company given their customer base of florists and event planners.
"Our R&D department focuses on these florists and event planners. What are they looking for? What colors are trending? We visited a lot of florists and wholesalers worldwide to conduct interviews to understand the industry's insights and make decisions on what our clients and consumers really want and need," says Belén Munoz.
Logistic optimization
At Mystic Flowers, they are constantly working on logistic optimization. Eight years ago, they started shipping flowers by sea to the United States and are now pioneers as they shipped their first container to Europe. "We strive to find the best logistic solutions for our clients, industry, and planet."
Sustainable practices
When there is a clear focus on making every step towards sustainability functional, complete, and innovative, not only the farms and their people will be better off, but also the customers of Mystic Flower profit from consistent premium quality Ecuadorian flower varieties. A safe and sound working environment creates better products.
The three pillars that the commitment of Mystic Flowers to built upon are Social Responsibility, Environmental Care, and Labor Standards.
Sustainability practice laws in Ecuador, as well as environmental and labor laws, are some of the strictest in Latin America, Belén Munoz explains.
In addition to timely payments of salaries, the company also provides these benefits and more that show the commitment to their people and sustainability.
- Wages and Salaries ( Highest in Latin America)
- Benefits and Wellbeing (15% of profits go to workers)
- Worker Rights (4% workers with disabilities)
- Occupational Health and Safety (Maternity units)
- Gender equality (40% Women workers)
"We have a true commitment to social and environmental responsibility, the wellbeing of our staff, and strengthening the communities in which we live and work to make a real change in our world, leaving it a better place, with everything we do."
Regarding the environmental pillar, they use various eco-friendly systems to take care of all resources involved in the flower production processes, taking care of the water, soil, and air. "We entirely comply with the Ecuadorian environmental regulatory framework, which is one of the strictest in Latin America. We are pioneers in the development of new organic fertilizers and nutrients made with microorganisms that keep our soils well-balanced, rich in nutrients, and fertile. We can also proudly say that 100% of our wastewater is treated and reused. Rainwater is captured, stored, and used for the crop."
Taking care of the community
"We are proud to say we are working with Fundación Azulado, an Ecuadorian non-profit organization created to support children and their families by providing educational programs for parents, teachers, and children that help them build peaceful and nurturing home and school environments that encourage healthy growth in all sense."
Belén Munoz continues, "We are aware of the social needs of our communities; we know that our actions and commitment as a company will make a powerful impact and increase the possibilities of real change. This is why we proudly partnered with Fundación Azulado."
Clockwise: Tinted Melcocha Collection, Hydrangea Charm Farm, Gypsophila XLENCE® and XLENCE ® Tinted Pink.
Expanding assortment & markets
As a result of the R&D research, the list of new varieties coming up this year includes roses and summer flowers. "We are especially excited about Magical hortensia bred by Kolster. Usually grown in Holland, only a few farms can grow them here in Ecuador as well," says Belén Munoz. "We are excited about this hortensias because we want to give the florist or event planner something that can help them differentiate."
The company is also working on ten new rose varieties for 2023. This, of course, is in addition to their current 110 rose variety and their summer flowers assortment consisting of the Craspedia PaintballTM, Jumbo & Tinted, Hypericum Magical, and Gypsophila Xlence, to name a few.
The company's core business is based in the EU, but as mentioned, they are also growing in North America. This year, they plan to start shipping to Australia, expanding their market even further.
Expo Flor Ecuador
Eager to meet the team of Mystic Flowers? From October 5-7, they will be exhibiting at Expo Flor Ecuador in Quito, Ecuador, booth number G17, floor PB.
For more information
Mystic Flowers
María Belén Muñoz
Email: mbmunoz@mysticflowers.com
www.mysticflowers.com/