DHL is exporting an estimated 15 million fresh cut flowers from Latin America this Valentine's Day season, for delivery to customers in the US and around the world. A combination of roses, carnations, tropical flowers and greens originating from Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica has already made its way into the US, as well as other destinations that celebrate the Feb 14 holiday, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia.
DHL consolidates floral parcels from growers in Latin America and protects the life of the flowers by using bonded cold storage facilities to keep the product cool prior to air transport and immediately upon arrival. Ninety percent of the floral shipments destined for the US market go through Miami where they undergo agricultural inspection at the DHL terminal in Miami.
'DHL's global capabilities ' from freight forwarding to express delivery ' helps the floral industry effectively manage its entire floral cold chain to get flowers to consumers and retailers so they arrive fresh and in pristine condition,' said John Cameron, Executive Vice President of operations for DHL. 'DHL provides the floral industry with the operational flexibility, capacity and special handling required to make this special Valentine's Day holiday a success.'
DHL customer VistaFlor Corp., a Colombian grower that exports bouquets, wedding flowers and arrangements to the US for special occasions, will see its export volume soar from its normal average 5,000 boxes of flowers per week to as many as 53,000 boxes during the week leading up to Valentine's Day. In addition to maintaining VistaFlor's shipments at the required 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 4 degrees Celsius), DHL handles the shipment documentation, freight brokerage, customs paperwork and clearance processes.
For its US customers, DHL will deliver millions of flowers to retailers and consumers on or before February 14. DHL in the US has added refrigerated trucks and dedicated flights exclusively for some of the most popular floral retailers and e-tailers.
VALENTINE'S DAY FRESH FLOWER FACTS
- Fresh flower picking season in Latin America is in full bloom from January 24 through February 10.
- Once in the US, 63% of the total US floral volume will be delivered on Valentine's Day, February 14.
- According to Colombia's Floriculture Report, Colombia is the second largest exporter of flowers in the world ' following Holland. Colombia's primary export destination is the US
- According to the Society of American Florists, customers purchase more fresh flowers on Valentines Day than any other holiday.
