"The vase life of our flowers has improved, and customers notice the difference"

At the Colombian flower farm La Plazoleta, innovation is at the heart of operations. Located on the outskirts of Bogotá, the company focuses on sustainability and quality. A key development in their post-harvest process is their collaboration with Weber Vacuum Group, through which they have introduced vacuum cooling. This technique helps cool flowers quickly and evenly, significantly improving freshness and vase life.

Challenges in flower transport
Before the introduction of vacuum cooling, keeping flowers fresh during transport was a challenge. Long distances and fluctuating temperatures affected quality, sometimes leading to product loss and complaints. Seeking a solution, La Plazoleta began using vacuum cooling seven years ago—a method that rapidly lowers temperature and regulates moisture, ensuring flowers remain in optimal condition.

According to Pablo Bazzani, General Manager of La Plazoleta, this technology has had a significant impact: "Since integrating vacuum cooling, we have seen improvements in efficiency and product quality. The vase life of our flowers has been extended, and customers notice the difference."

Faster cooling for better quality
Vacuum cooling ensures that flowers are cooled within 15 to 30 minutes. This rapid process lowers internal temperatures and prevents excessive moisture loss, keeping flowers firmer and healthier. Additionally, it helps prevent fungal growth, such as Botrytis, which often develops due to condensation in packaging.

"We have noticed a decrease in returns and complaints," says Bazzani. "Growers and exporters appreciate the improved quality, which has also increased customer satisfaction."

Sustainability and efficiency
In addition to enhancing quality, vacuum cooling contributes to more sustainable operations. The process consumes less energy than traditional cooling methods and helps reduce waste. La Plazoleta combines this technology with eco-friendly cultivation practices, aligning with their broader sustainability strategy.

The future of vacuum cooling in floriculture
Due to its positive results, La Plazoleta is considering applying vacuum cooling at more stages of the production process. The technique is increasingly being adopted in the floriculture industry, as growers worldwide seek innovative ways to extend the vase life of their products.

For La Plazoleta, the collaboration with Weber Vacuum Group has been a valuable step in optimizing their processes. "We continue to seek improvements that make our flowers not only more beautiful but also more sustainable," concludes Bazzani.

For more information:
Sylvia van Uden, Sales Director
Weber Vacuum Group
Tel.: +31 612 819 917
[email protected]
www.webervacuum.group