economy
May 5, 2026
Flowers that cross the world: this is the journey that connects Colombia with millions of mothers
It all begins long before a bouquet reaches hands. It starts in the cold of dawn, in the fields where thousands of flowers are precisely cut, selected, and prepared for a journey that, in a matter of hours, will take them across borders.
TL;DR
- Colombian flowers undergo a precise cutting, selection, and preparation process before export.
- The export process involves inspections by ICA for phytosanitary conditions, DIAN for customs clearance, and Anti-Narcotics Police for security.
- Flowers are kept in cold storage at 2-8 degrees Celsius before being loaded onto planes for international delivery.
- Plan Pétalo is a 20-year-old strategy involving over 40 entities to ensure 24/7 operation for flower exports.
- Floriculture generates approximately 240,000 formal jobs in Colombia, with 60% held by women.
- Temporary employment in the sector increases significantly during peak seasons like Mother's Day.
- Colombia is the second-largest exporter of cut flowers globally, with the U.S. as the main destination.
- In 2025, Colombia exported over 59,000 tons of flowers during the season, generating over $430 million in sales.