Colombia's Flowers Consolidate Export Leadership on Valentine's Day with Peak Logistics and Employment
Avianca Cargo transported 19,000 tons of flowers during the 2026 Valentine's Day season. Photo: Courtesy Avianca Cargo
TL;DR
- Colombia exported over 65,000 tons of flowers during Valentine's Day 2026, with the United States as the main destination.
- The flower industry generated around 240,000 formal jobs, with an additional 20,000 temporary positions during the Valentine's Day season.
- Sustainability is a key factor for international market access, supported by the Florverde Sustainable Flowers certification.
- The Plan Pétalo strategy, initiated in 2006, has been crucial for coordinating public-private efforts in logistics and ensuring efficiency and security in exports.
- Avianca Cargo played a significant role, transporting 19,000 tons of flowers, representing one in three Colombian flowers exported to the U.S.
- El Dorado airport's cargo terminal demonstrated specialized infrastructure and 24/7 operations to handle significant volumes of flower exports.