Colombian flowers have set a milestone by surpassing coffee as the main export product to the United States. Discover how innovation and logistics have been key to this change.
Exporting flowers from Colombia to the United States is a meticulous process involving multiple critical stages, from harvest to final delivery. Each of these stages presents potential risks that can compromise the quality and commercial viability of the product. Therefore, specialized cargo insurance is essential to mitigate losses and ensure success in the international market.
Specialized cargo insurance provides comprehensive coverage against loss or damage resulting from accidents, theft, cold chain failures and other unforeseen events during transportation. It also guarantees financial compensation that protects the exporter's investment, avoiding significant losses.
Colombia closed 2024 with a remarkable event in its foreign trade: for the first time in recent history, flowers surpassed coffee as the main export product to the United States, consolidating its position as one of the most dynamic sectors of Colombian agriculture. Floral exports totaled US$1.887 billion, surpassing the US$1.422 billion of coffee, the country's historically emblematic product.
This growth reflects a sector that has invested in innovation, cultivation technology, post-harvest, sustainable packaging and logistical efficiency. Key dates such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day have been determinant in this success. During the Valentine's Day season of 2024, Colombia exported approximately 60,000 tons of flowers, demonstrating its capacity to respond to massive demand.
Having specialized insurance for flower exports is crucial to mitigate risks inherent to international trade. This type of insurance not only offers protection against losses or damages derived from accidents, theft and failures in the cold chain, but also guarantees economic compensation that protects the exporter's investment.
By insuring exports with specialized cargo insurance such as Refriseguro or Logistics Delay insurance offered by JAH Insurance Brokers, Colombian flower growers can strengthen the confidence of international buyers, guaranteeing that they will receive high quality products without setbacks.
The success of Colombian flower exports is not only due to product quality, but also to logistical efficiency. From harvest to final delivery, each stage of the process must be handled with precision to guarantee the freshness and quality of the flowers.
Proper handling and maintenance of the cold chain during domestic and international transport are essential. In addition, complying with U.S. phytosanitary and customs regulations is crucial to avoid detentions or fines.
To ensure success in exporting flowers, it is critical that exporters take proactive measures to protect their investments. This includes having specialized cargo insurance that offers comprehensive coverage and advice on how to comply with international regulations.
In addition, diversifying export markets can reduce the sector's vulnerability to regulatory or trade changes in its traditional market. In 2024, exports to the United Arab Emirates grew by 77.5%, and those to Switzerland increased by a staggering 232.7%, reflecting a successful business strategy.