🌹 A Blooming Partnership: Colombia–U.S. Flower Trade at a Glance by Diario Las Americas

Diana Beatriz López, director of the Miramontes crop at Élite Flowers, in the field at work.

This brief synopsis highlights two in-depth articles published by Diario Las Américas (May 9–15, 2025 edition) that explore the people, processes, and economic impact behind Colombia’s flower exports to the United States (articles below).

📦 From Seed to Storefront:

Colombia, the world’s second-largest flower exporter, ships hundreds of millions of stems annually to the U.S.—with over 978 million stems imported in just four weeks between April and May 2025, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. Producers like Elite Flowers in Antioquia lead the way with sustainable practices, in-house laboratories, and a dedicated workforce focused on quality and innovation.

✈️ Supply Chain in Motion:

Once harvested, flowers undergo strict inspections, are carefully refrigerated, and flown via LATAM’s 230 dedicated cargo flights to Miami, where 91% of U.S. air-imported flowers arrive, 73% of which originate from Colombia. This streamlined process supports more than 6,000 jobs in Miami, and contributes to over 200,000 jobs across the U.S.

🌱 More Than Just Flowers:

These articles also shed light on the human stories behind the industry. Workers like Rosa Elena, who has spent 35 years cultivating flowers, embody the commitment and care that power this international trade.

🗞️ Published in Diario Las Américas, May 9–15, 2025:

• Flores de Colombia – Página 18: The people, passion, and production process

• Flores de Colombia – Página 19: Logistics, inspections, and market impact

At AFIA, we’re proud to support and advocate for this vital industry—from grower to importer, and from farm to florist.