Floriculture in Ecuador is heavily influenced by climate conditions, which significantly impact market prices and availability. As seen in previous years, seasonal changes play a crucial role in determining supply and demand. This year, shifting weather patterns led to unexpected fluctuations in floriculture, affecting both florists and end consumers.
Valentine’s Season and Shifting Market Trends
The Valentine’s season is always a critical period for Ecuador’s floriculture. In 2024, an oversupply resulted in lower prices, whereas this year, hesitation among buyers to pre-confirm orders led to shortages.
Many customers underestimated the effect of climate conditions, causing them to struggle with last-minute orders. The flower supply was insufficient to meet the concentrated demand, especially in farms across both northern and southern Ecuador.
Unlike previous years, where the Valentine’s rush extended over two to three weeks, this year saw shipments condensed into just one week.
This posed a challenge for farms that struggled to manage their entire flower production within such a short window. February’s first week was packed with orders, but the available supply could not keep up with demand.
Another noticeable shift was in the colour preferences of consumers.
- Demand for lavender and purple flowers saw a significant decline, a surprising trend that influenced overall floriculture.
- Tinted roses gained popularity, proving to be a profitable segment for farms investing in customised floral designs.
- Ecuadorian growers also saw increased interest in spray roses and summer flowers, marking a diversification in floriculture offerings.
Weather conditions, evolving colour preferences, and logistical challenges made this Valentine’s season particularly complex for Ecuador’s floriculture industry.
However, flower farms prioritised their long-term clients over short-term profit gains. By focusing on consistent partnerships rather than the highest-paying buyers, farms strengthened relationships that will sustain their floriculture business beyond seasonal peaks.
Ecuador’s Floriculture Still Thrives Amid Shifting Trends
Despite the challenges, Ecuador’s floriculture industry continues to thrive. The country exported 28,800 tons of flowers for Valentine’s 2025, up from 26,500 tons in 2024. Export revenue rose from $280 million in 2024 to $290 million in 2025. More than 500 flights carried flowers worldwide, with 10% of shipments transported by sea, primarily to the U.S.
The resilience of Ecuador’s floriculture sector highlights its ability to adapt to climate changes and evolving market trends while maintaining high-quality exports for florists and consumers worldwide.
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