Flor Ecuador applies for SSCI Benchmarking

The Consumer Goods Forum's (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) has received a benchmarking application from Expoflores (Ecuador's National Association of Flower Producers and Exporters), for its certification scheme Flor Ecuador Plus Certified. This marks the scheme's first step toward potential SSCI Recognition.

Flor Ecuador Plus Certified will be benchmarked under the SSCI's Primary Production scopes for Social Compliance. To date, the SSCI has recognised seven independent schemes, and Flor Ecuador Plus Certified® joins six additional schemes currently undergoing assessment.

The schemes benchmarked by the SSCI in the Netherlands, Colombia, Ecuador and Kenya represent auditing, monitoring and certification standards in the flower sector, worth over 6 billion dollars. Expoflores' participation highlights the floriculture sector's increasing commitment to internationally recognised frameworks for responsible sourcing and due diligence.

Alejandro Martínez, Executive President at Expoflores, said, "At Expoflores, we have always worked with a vision of continuous improvement, but above all with a strong determination to align ourselves with the 2030 Agenda and its objectives. Today, 195 farms are certified under Flor Ecuador. This represents 72% of the total production area in Ecuador, where 34,160 individuals work formally, under the right social conditions and with a focus on true sustainability. Agriculture is a purpose-driven business, and floriculture is our greatest work, our enthusiasm, and our conviction in the results it brings. Our role as leaders in floriculture is to connect people through a shared story. We rely on tools that drive innovation, productivity, and both environmental and social progress. Our commitment is to continue consolidating a production model that builds trust, creates shared value, and ensures that Ecuadorian flowers are recognized worldwide as a symbol of responsibility, efficiency, and responsible growth. The magic of Ecuadorian flowers lies in that balance between human effort, wellbeing, and sustainability."

Launched in 2005, Flor Ecuador Certified promotes sustainability, legal compliance, and fair labour conditions across Ecuador's billion-dollar floriculture industry, which provides vital employment for nearly one-third of the country's rural communities. Currently the scheme covers 110 companies and 196 farms over 3,400 hectares. The upcoming Version 5.0, evolving under the Flor Ecuador Plus model, will further align the scheme with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international pre-competitive sustainability initiatives such as the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI).

Didier Bergeret, Director of Sustainability at The Consumer Goods Forum, said, "Each scheme that joins the SSCI Benchmarking Process helps strengthen transparency and responsible business practices across global supply chains. Expoflores' initiative reflects the leadership and collaboration needed to drive meaningful progress on social responsibility."