Valentine’s Day represents one of the most demanding moments for Ecuador’s floriculture industry: it accounts for around 30% of farms’ annual sales and requires extreme coordination among growers, airlines, logistics operators, and the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. During peak season, the industry can move between 100,000 and 120,000 boxes per day, with volumes that nearly triple over the 22 days of the export peak.
The 2026 season is progressing with positive preliminary figures: between January 20 and February 1, 17,600 tons were exported in 330 flights operated by 16 airlines, reflecting 17.9% growth. To meet this demand, flight frequencies increase significantly—from 7 weekly frequencies in a normal week to 24 during the season, with airlines such as Avianca Cargo boosting capacity to Miami.
This year also brought unusual weather conditions. Excess sunshine and a lack of rainfall in November and December caused the flowers to bloom earlier (by up to 5 or 6 days), altering logistics planning and leading part of the volume to be transported even by sea. Unlike a typical Valentine’s season, production showed two peaks, increasing operational complexity, creating truck queues, and adding extra pressure to maintain the cold chain and ensure flights depart on time.
In terms of value, it was reported that USD 282 million were exported for Valentine’s Day in 2025, and this year the estimate is expected to close at around USD 274–276 million, in an environment where volume is growing but prices are under pressure, especially in the U.S. market.
Disclaimer: With the season still underway, current figures reflect an active execution phase rather than final results.
About the Author
Caridad Sáenz is the Editor-in-Chief of Ecuador y sus Flores, a leading international publication dedicated to Ecuador floral industry. Carrying forward a family legacy founded over two decades ago, she has positioned the magazine as an authoritative voice on Ecuadorian flowers, the global flower trade, and cut flower exports. Through her editorial leadership, Caridad highlights the systems, expertise, sustainability initiatives, and innovation that make Ecuador one of the world’s most important flower-producing countries, connecting growers, markets, and industry leaders worldwide.
Published by New Bloom Media
New Bloom Media (NBM) is the first multi-channel B2B media platform dedicated solely to the floral industry across the Americas. Through thought leadership, industry insights, and collaborative storytelling, NBM helps businesses innovate, connect, and thrive.
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