The Flower Growing Industry in South America: A Country-by-Country Guide
South America has become a global powerhouse in flower production, with several countries establishing themselves as major players in the international cut flower market. This guide examines the flower growing industry across South American nations, highlighting each country's unique contributions, specialties, and market position.
Colombia: The Continental Leader
Industry Overview
Colombia dominates South America's flower industry and ranks as the world's second-largest flower exporter after the Netherlands. The industry generates over $1 billion annually in export revenues and serves as a cornerstone of the country's agricultural economy.
Geographic Concentration and Climate
Primary Growing Region: The Bogotá Savanna (Sabana de Bogotá) in Cundinamarca department serves as the industry's epicenter, encompassing municipalities including:
Funza: Known as the "Flower Capital of Colombia"
Madrid: Major production hub with numerous large-scale operations
Facatativá: Significant growing area with modern greenhouse facilities
Chía: Emerging production zone
Mosquera: Important secondary growing region
Climate Advantages: Located at 2,600 meters above sea level near the equator, the Bogotá Savanna offers:
Consistent temperatures year-round (14-24°C)
Stable 12-hour daylight periods
Natural cooling that eliminates need for artificial climate control
Ideal humidity levels for flower cultivation
Major Flower Varieties
Roses: Colombia's flagship export, representing approximately 25% of total flower exports
Premium long-stem varieties
Garden roses with multiple bloom sizes
Spray roses for arrangements
Specialty colors including rainbow and bi-colored varieties
Carnations: Second-largest export crop
Standard carnations in traditional colors
Spray carnations for volume arrangements
Specialty varieties for specific markets
Alstroemeria: High-value crop with excellent transport characteristics
Multiple color combinations
Long vase life appealing to international buyers
Other Significant Varieties:
Chrysanthemums (both standard and spray types)
Gerberas in vibrant colors
Sunflowers for specialty markets
Gypsophila (baby's breath)
Lisianthus for premium arrangements
Production Technology and Methods
Greenhouse Infrastructure: Colombia utilizes approximately 7,000 hectares of greenhouse space, featuring:
Plastic-covered structures optimized for local climate
Automated irrigation and fertigation systems
Climate monitoring and control technology
Soilless cultivation methods using substrates like coconut coir
Sustainability Initiatives:
Florverde certification program promoting sustainable practices
Water recycling and treatment systems
Integrated pest management reducing chemical inputs
Renewable energy adoption in greenhouse operations
Market Position and Exports
Primary Export Markets:
United States: 70% of Colombian flower exports
Europe: Growing market through Netherlands distribution hub
Russia: Significant importer of Colombian roses
Canada: Important North American market
Export Infrastructure:
El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá): Primary export hub
Specialized cold storage and handling facilities
Direct flights to major international markets
Advanced logistics networks for rapid transport
Economic Impact
Employs over 200,000 people directly
Provides income for approximately 1 million people indirectly
Contributes significantly to rural development in Cundinamarca
Major source of foreign exchange earnings
Ecuador: The Rose Specialist
Industry Overview
Ecuador has established itself as the world's premier rose exporter, leveraging its equatorial location to produce some of the highest-quality roses globally. The industry generates over $800 million annually and represents Ecuador's fourth-largest export sector.
Geographic Distribution and Growing Conditions
Primary Production Regions:
Cotopaxi Province: The heart of Ecuadorian flower production
Latacunga area: Largest concentration of rose farms
Salcedo region: Major production zone
Optimal altitude of 2,800-3,200 meters above sea level
Pichincha Province:
Cayambe area: Premium rose production region
Tabacundo: Significant growing zone
Benefits from Cayambe volcano's fertile soils
Imbabura Province:
Otavalo region: Specialized rose cultivation
Traditional flower-growing communities
Climate Advantages:
Equatorial location providing consistent 12-hour days year-round
High altitude creating ideal temperature differentials
Intense sunlight producing vibrant flower colors
Volcanic soils rich in nutrients
Specialized Production Focus
Roses: Ecuador's dominant export crop (over 90% of flower exports)
Premium long-stem roses (60-150cm stems)
Large bloom sizes (4.5-7cm diameter)
Extensive color palette including unique varieties
Superior vase life (12-14 days average)
Secondary Crops:
Gypsophila: High-quality baby's breath for international markets
Limonium: Statice for dried flower applications
Hypericum: Berry-producing stems for arrangements
Summer flowers for counter-seasonal exports
Production Innovation
Greenhouse Technology:
High-tech greenhouse complexes covering over 4,000 hectares
Automated climate control systems
Precision irrigation and nutrition delivery
Post-harvest handling facilities integrated with greenhouses
Quality Focus:
Strict quality standards exceeding international requirements
Advanced post-harvest cooling and hydration systems
Specialized packaging for premium market positioning
Continuous variety development and improvement
Market Strategy and Exports
Export Markets:
United States: Primary market for premium roses
Russia: Major importer of Ecuadorian roses
Europe: High-value markets through Netherlands
Middle East: Growing markets for luxury flowers
Competitive Advantages:
Superior rose quality commanding premium prices
Year-round consistent production
Strategic positioning for North American and European markets
Strong brand recognition for "Ecuador roses"
Economic and Social Impact
Employs approximately 100,000 people directly
Significant employer in rural highland communities
Important source of foreign exchange
Contributes to infrastructure development in remote regions
Peru: The Emerging Market
Industry Development
Peru's flower industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, transitioning from domestic focus to international export orientation. The sector shows significant potential for expansion given Peru's diverse climatic zones and growing agricultural expertise.
Geographic Regions and Production
Lima Region: Primary export-oriented production area
Coastal desert climate requiring controlled irrigation
Proximity to Jorge Chávez International Airport
Modern greenhouse facilities for export-quality production
Arequipa Region: High-altitude production zone
Andean climate suitable for temperate flowers
Traditional flower cultivation areas
Growing interest from international investors
La Libertad Region: Emerging production area
Coastal and highland microclimates
Developing infrastructure for flower exports
Flower Varieties and Specialization
Export Crops:
Roses: Premium varieties targeting North American markets
Asparagus flowers: Unique export specialty
Alstroemeria: Native Peruvian species with international appeal
Astilbe: High-value crop for European markets
Domestic Market Focus:
Carnations for local celebrations and traditions
Gladiolus for domestic flower arrangements
Chrysanthemums for ceremonial purposes
Native species for eco-tourism and specialty markets
Market Development
Export Strategy:
Focus on counter-seasonal supply to Northern Hemisphere
Development of niche markets for native Peruvian varieties
Growing presence in United States and European markets
Participation in international flower trade shows and exhibitions
Challenges and Opportunities:
Need for improved cold chain infrastructure
Water scarcity in coastal growing regions
Opportunity to leverage biodiversity for unique products
Potential for organic and sustainable certification
Chile: The Counter-Seasonal Specialist
Industry Characteristics
Chile's flower industry capitalizes on its Southern Hemisphere location to supply Northern Hemisphere markets during their winter months. The industry focuses on specific niches where Chile can maintain competitive advantages.
Geographic Production Areas
Central Valley: Primary flower production region
Mediterranean climate suitable for various flower types
Established agricultural infrastructure
Proximity to Santiago for export logistics
Metropolitan Region: Intensive production area
Advanced greenhouse facilities
Focus on high-value export crops
Integration with Santiago's logistics networks
Specialized Production
Bulb Flowers: Chile's specialty export sector
Lilies for Northern Hemisphere spring markets
Tulips for counter-seasonal demand
Daffodils and other bulb varieties
Advantage of opposite growing seasons
Cut Flowers:
Roses for winter exports to North America and Europe
Peonies during Northern Hemisphere off-season
Sunflowers for year-round supply chains
Market Strategy
Export Focus:
Counter-seasonal positioning as primary competitive advantage
Premium pricing during Northern Hemisphere winter months
Established relationships with major flower importers
Air freight connections to major international markets
Brazil: The Domestic Giant
Industry Scale and Characteristics
Brazil operates the largest domestic flower market in South America, with growing export potential. The industry serves Brazil's 215 million inhabitants while developing international market presence.
Regional Distribution
São Paulo State: Industry epicenter
Holambra: Known as Brazil's flower capital
Advanced greenhouse technology and production methods
Major wholesale flower markets and distribution centers
Center for floriculture education and research
Minas Gerais: Significant production region
Traditional flower-growing communities
Focus on domestic market supply
Developing export capabilities
Rio de Janeiro: Important consumption and production area
Tourism-driven demand for flowers
Local specialty varieties
Gateway for international visitors experiencing Brazilian floriculture
Production Focus
Domestic Market Varieties:
Roses for local celebrations and gift-giving
Chrysanthemums for traditional ceremonies
Gerberas popular in Brazilian arrangements
Tropical varieties utilizing climate advantages
Export Potential:
Tropical and exotic flowers unique to Brazil
Orchids for specialty international markets
Foliage plants and greenery for arrangements
Counter-seasonal flowers for Northern Hemisphere
Market Development
Domestic Consumption:
Growing middle class increasing flower purchases
Cultural traditions supporting flower market demand
Tourism industry creating additional demand
Corporate and event markets expanding
Export Opportunities:
Unique tropical varieties unavailable elsewhere
Large-scale production capabilities
Improving logistics and cold chain infrastructure
Potential partnerships with established exporters
Other South American Countries
Argentina
Industry Characteristics:
Primarily domestic market focus
Buenos Aires as major consumption center
Some export activity to neighboring countries
Potential for expansion given agricultural expertise
Production Areas:
Buenos Aires Province: Primary growing region
Mendoza: Specialty flower production
Climate advantages in certain regions for temperate flowers
Uruguay
Market Position:
Small but quality-focused industry
Domestic market orientation
Some exports to Argentina and Brazil
Potential for niche market development
Venezuela
Current Status:
Industry significantly impacted by economic challenges
Previously important domestic market
Limited current export activity
Potential for recovery with economic stabilization
Bolivia
Developing Sector:
High-altitude growing conditions suitable for certain flowers
Primarily domestic market focus
Traditional flower cultivation in Andean communities
Potential for organic and fair-trade certified production
Regional Integration and Cooperation
Trade Relationships
Intra-Regional Trade: South American countries increasingly trade flowers among themselves, with major producers supplying smaller markets during peak demand periods.
Technology Transfer: Leading producers like Colombia and Ecuador share expertise with developing flower industries in other countries.
Joint Marketing: Regional cooperation in international trade shows and marketing initiatives to promote South American flowers globally.
Infrastructure Development
Transportation Networks: Improved road and air connections facilitating flower trade within the region.
Cold Chain Development: Regional investment in cold storage and handling facilities supporting flower exports.
Research Collaboration: Universities and research institutions across the region collaborating on flower breeding and cultivation techniques.
Future Outlook by Country
Growth Projections
Colombia: Continued market leadership with expansion into new flower varieties and sustainable production methods.
Ecuador: Strengthening position as premium rose supplier while diversifying into other high-value crops.
Peru: Rapid growth potential with increasing international recognition and investment in infrastructure.
Chile: Maintaining counter-seasonal niche while exploring new market opportunities.
Brazil: Gradual transition toward export orientation while maintaining domestic market dominance.
Regional Trends
Sustainability: All countries moving toward more sustainable production methods and certification programs.
Technology Adoption: Increasing use of precision agriculture and automation across the region.
Market Diversification: Expansion into new geographic markets and flower varieties.
Value Addition: Development of processed flower products and value-added services.
