Colombian flower exports generated a record US$681.4 million in 2003, two per cent up on the previous year but 11 per cent higher than in 2001.
According to Proexport, the commercial office of the Colombian Embassy in charge of the promotion of flowers in the UK, the sector now ranks as the second most important after coffee and accounts for 10.5 per cent of non-traditional exports.
“Floriculture occupies a very important place in the national economy accounting for 5.67 per cent of total exports. The country also ranks as the globe’s second largest exporter of cut flowers overall and the biggest of carnations. Furthermore, it is the principal supplier to the United States, holding a 60 per cent share of the market, and is the fourth in Europe with four per cent,” explains Proexport.
Given this background it is not surprising to find that Colombia is the second largest exporter to the UK representing 10 per cent of the cut flower market. Success is reflected in ongoing expansion in the value of sales, which amounted to US$46.37m in 2003 compared with US$37.38m and US$39.33m for the two years before. Of this, carnations accounted for approximately 74 per cent, with the balance down to roses, chrysanthemums, foliage and a range of tropicals.
The UK takes 46 per cent of all exports to the EU, followed by the Netherlands with 16 per cent, Spain 15 per cent, Germany 12 per cent and Sweden three per cent. Sendings are dominated by standard carnations, which hold a 57 per cent share overall, with spray carnations and roses on 27 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.
Expansion can be attributed in part to the country’s ability to supply product 12 months of the year but also to greater emphasis on high value lines. Additional impetus comes from FlorverdeR, an Asocolflores initiative introduced in 1996, which aims to better the social, economic and environmental conditions of the Colombian flower industry. This includes moves towards the introduction of a national flower certification label which meets internationally accepted standards.
