This Valentine’s Day, Miami International Airport is set to process approximately 940 million flower stems, highlighting the airport’s critical role in the floral import business.
Floral Trade Statistics
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports that around 90% of all fresh-cut flowers sold in the United States for Valentine’s Day flow through Miami, with the remaining 10% arriving via Los Angeles.
As the holiday nears, a surge of flowers—including beloved varieties like roses, carnations, pompons, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, and gypsophila—lands at the airport, primarily from Colombia and Ecuador.
These blooms travel on numerous flights destined for florists and retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Avianca Cargo’s Role
Among the significant players in this bustling floral trade is Avianca Cargo, which is based in Medellín, Colombia, and is the top flower importer at Miami International Airport.
In the three weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, Avianca has transported approximately 18,000 tons of flowers on around 300 dedicated cargo flights.
The senior vice president of Avianca Cargo recently remarked that while flowers ship throughout the year, demand skyrockets during the Valentine’s period, prompting the need for enhanced operational support.
Economic Impact and Agricultural Oversight
Jimmy Morales, the chief operating officer of Miami-Dade, pointed to the importance of flowers in the airport’s overall import statistics.
Last year alone, Miami International Airport processed over 3 million tons of cargo, and flowers constituted nearly 400,000 tons of that total, representing a staggering value of more than $1.6 billion.
When focusing specifically on January and February, the airport sees an influx of about 1,500 tons of flowers each day—roughly 90,000 tons worth around $450 million during those months.
Crucial to keeping this operation running smoothly are the agricultural specialists at CBP, who carefully examine all shipments for harmful pests and diseases that could threaten U.S. agriculture.
The port director of Miami International underscored the significant economic repercussions of invasive species, which can lead to major losses for American farmers and the environment.
Recently, Colombia’s flower industry faced uncertainty over a potential 25% tariff due to political strains between the U.S. and Colombia.
Fortunately, a breakthrough came at the end of January when Colombia agreed to allow flights transporting deported immigrants to land, which helped alleviate some of the tensions.
During a recent press event, officials deliberately steered clear of political discussions and inquiries regarding tariffs, opting instead to focus on the operational aspects of the airport’s impressive flower import activities.
They highlighted the efficiency of their processes and the partnerships established with local florists to ensure a steady supply of high-quality blooms.
Despite this positive focus, some attendees couldn’t help but wonder about the broader implications of trade policies, particularly in light of the branding fails of 2024 that had emerged from various sectors.
As the officials wrapped up, it was clear that avoiding contentious issues was a strategic choice, allowing them to showcase the airport’s strengths without distraction.
Source: Fastcompany