FedEx transports 2.7 million pounds of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador for Mother’s Day

As part of its ongoing support for Latin America's floriculture sector, Federal Express Corporation expected to transport 2.7 million pounds of fresh flowers from Colombia and Ecuador to North America for Mother's Day, one of the busiest seasons of the year.

"At FedEx, we are deeply proud to be a strategic ally for the floriculture sector. We're not just transporting flowers — we're carrying the hard work of thousands of flower growers, the talent of regional exporters, and the excitement of millions of consumers celebrating such a special occasion," said Eduardo Garrido, senior manager of ramps and customs for FedEx Colombia and Ecuador.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Colombia's floriculture sector closed 2024 with significant growth, reaching US$2.358 billion in exports and a 12% increase in the volume transported compared to the previous year. This sector not only contributes 15% of the agricultural GDP but also generates more than 200,000 jobs.

Eduardo Garrido, senior manager of ramps and customs for FedEx Colombia and Ecuador

Ecuador reached a historic record in 2024 by exporting flowers worth US$1.016 billion, representing a 2.9% increase compared to 2023. This milestone positioned flowers as Ecuador's sixth-largest non-petroleum export product. According to data from Expoflores, the United States remains the top destination for Ecuadorian flower exports, absorbing about 34% of global exports.

During the two-week peak season, the company will enhance its services to support this key commercial event, which takes place from April to May. FedEx has a robust infrastructure and the capabilities to deliver fresh flowers from Colombian and Ecuadorian farms. Through FedEx International Priority DirectDistribution® (IPD) service, flowers can reach the final consumer within 72 hours of harvest, thanks to a more efficient integration of customs processes and direct distribution routes. This ensures fresh flowers reach North America in less than three days and covering 99% of delivery addresses in the United States and Canada.

The company has also strengthened its value proposition with the recent addition of a direct flight from Quito to Miami, optimizing transit times. In recent years, FedEx has improved its air cargo hub at Miami International Airport, the largest cold chain infrastructure in the FedEx global network, through which more than 90% of air-transported flowers enter the United States. These efforts help maintain the freshness and quality of the flowers throughout the transportation process.