Israeli flower growers exported 50 million stems to Europe in just three days last week for sale on Valentine's Day on February 14.

Eitan Ben-David, chairman of CAL Cargo Airlines, said the carrier operated 20 flights last week from Ben Gurion Airport carrying 1,800 tonnes of flowers loaded at Agrexco's export terminal. Each consignment was delivered within 12 hours of departure to auctions and other sales points in Europe. Agrexco estimates that revenues from Valentine’s Day flower sales will amount to $18m as prices peaked for the occasion. The main flowers exported were red roses and red carnations.

Meanwhile, Israeli flower growers are planning to start exporting flowers to the Baltic states, following a deal with the largest flower importer in Lithuania, who last week met with growers to prepare export plans. Sales are forecast to be worth $200,000 for the first year of exports. Trade sources commented that there is great potential for Israeli flowers in Lithuania and Latvia.

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