Ecuadorian Roses: From Harvest to Bouquet
Ecuador is one of the world’s largest exporters of cut flowers, and its roses are some of the most sought-after blooms in the floristry industry. In this blog, we’ll look at the journey of Ecuadorian roses, from the moment they’re harvested to the time they reach floral wholesalers and eventually end up as part of beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements in the United States.
Harvesting Ecuadorian Roses
Ecuador is known for producing some of the world’s finest roses, and the Andean highlands are the perfect place for growing them. High altitude, cool temperatures, and fertile soil create a prime environment for the roses to flourish. The harvesting process is done with great care to ensure the highest quality blooms. The roses are picked in the early morning hours when they’re freshest, and the stems are carefully cut by hand to prevent damage.
Once harvested, the roses are transported to a processing facility, where they undergo a series of quality checks and preparations for shipment. The roses are cleaned to remove dirt or debris and sorted according to size, color, and quality. They are then hydrated in a unique solution that optimizes their health during transport. The sorted blooms are then carefully packed into boxes designed to protect the flowers, especially the heads of the roses. The packages are designed to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels, ensuring that the roses arrive at their destination in pristine condition.
Processing and Shipping
To ensure that the roses arrive in the United States in good condition, they’re shipped mainly via air in temperature-controlled containers. These containers are equipped with humidifiers to keep the roses hydrated during the journey.
Once the roses arrive in the United States, they are received by floral importers. Importers then distribute them to either large grocery chains, wholesalers, e-commerce companies, or directly to retailers. Fmifarms is an importer and wholesaler.
Interesting Facts and Statistics
According to a study by the Ecuadorian Floriculture Association, Ecuador exports approximately 30 million roses to Miami for Valentine’s Day on average. The average price per rose in this trade is estimated to be around $0.75 F.O.B. Quito, with a total value of approximately $22.5 million. The demand for Ecuadorian roses in Miami has steadily increased over the years, with a reported growth rate of 5% per year.
The Ecuadorian floriculture industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Ecuador, the export of cut flowers was valued at $449 million in 2020, with roses being the top-exported flower variety. The United States is the largest importer of Ecuadorian roses, accounting for over 60% of the total exports.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Ecuador, the total area dedicated to rose cultivation in the country has increased from 2,500 hectares in 2010 to over 4,000 hectares in 2020. This increase in production has been driven by the growing demand for Ecuadorian roses in domestic and international markets.
In terms of production, the average yield of roses in Ecuador is estimated to be around 120,000 stems per hectare, with an average of 120 flowers per stem. Each hectare of rose cultivation in Ecuador can produce over 14 million blooms annually. The high yield, favorable growing conditions, and efficient production processes make Ecuador a significant player in the global floriculture industry.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a florist, a wholesale florist, or someone who loves flowers, Ecuadorian roses are a must-have for any bouquet or arrangement. With their wide range of colors, fragrances, and sizes, these blooms can help you create beautiful and memorable floral arrangements that are sure to impress. So, the next time you’re in the market for flowers for a bouquet or floral arrangement, consider the beauty and versatility of Ecuadorian roses.
