A jury with local and international representatives chose the best flowers amongst 430 varieties. The winners will set the trends in the main international markets during the next two years. Asocolflores distributed awards
During the first day of Proflora 2023, an event organized by the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters, Asocolflores distributed awards were granted amongst the participants of the “Contest of Varieties”, in its different categories.
CEO of Asocolflores, said: “Innovation has been the core of Proflora since 1991, and this year was no exception. Over 400 new varieties entered the competition and all they will be showcased during the three days of the fair, before the eyes of approximately 6,500 visitors from 60 countries who form part of the flower-growing sector”.
The main purpose of this contest is to choose the best flowers and foliage from each category, and to appoint a great winner that enhances excellence, quality, and beauty, as well as contributing to the fame of the flower producing sector at international scale by showcasing innovations and the quality of Colombian flowers.
In times when, more than ever, flower-growers are committed to generate employment and exports, while laying significant foundations in the conquest of new markets.
Fifty-nine companies from different countries participated in the competition divided in 18 categories and 2 modalities; “Flower Producers” and “Breeders”. They presented for the jury´s evaluation, new textures, a wide color spectrum, and a final arrangement.
In the category of “Flower Producers”, several attributes were acknowledged, such as vase life, flower stem length, leaf size, cut-flower longevity, and flower quality.
At the same time, the category of “Breeders” highlighted development innovation of new varieties by local and international companies, as well as natural crossings with different seeds (hybridization).
“It is worth mentioning that a breeder does not interfere in genetic modification and therefore it can take up to 6 years to introduce a new variety in Proflora 2023. In order to obtain 3 or 4, the breeders had to carry out approximately 8,000 crossings of this type”, added Solano.
The qualifying jury was made up of 8 local experts and 3 international representatives. It was chaired by Rolf Timmerman, with recognized experience in international floriculture.
Proflora 2023 continues to guide the trends of the world market. Thus, it sets the foundations for “Flowers of Colombia” to continue to be present in the most renowned flower shops, commercial showcases, cultural centers, chain supermarkets, and in the homes of more than 100 countries around the globe.
