Ecuador's Flower Exports Poised for Record Valentine's Season as US Orders Jump 16%

Ecuador's Flower Exports Poised for Record Valentine's Season as US Orders Jump 16%

Ecuador's flower industry is heading into the 2026 Valentine's Day season with record-breaking momentum. Advance orders from US buyers are up 16% year-on-year, according to Expoflores, the national flower exporters' association, with total January cargo throughput at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport reaching 35,200 tonnes of cut flowers.

The country is the world's third-largest flower exporter and the top source of roses imported into the United States, commanding an estimated 72% share of the US premium rose market. Ecuador's high-altitude equatorial growing conditions -- particularly in the inter-Andean valleys of Cotopaxi, Pichincha, and Imbabura at 2,800-3,200 metres -- produce blooms with larger heads, longer stems, and more vibrant colours than competitors.

By the numbers

• Total 2025 flower exports: $1.07 billion (+11% YoY)
• Peak Valentine's window (Jan 15 - Feb 10): ~42,000 tonnes expected
• Top varieties: Roses (74%), gypsophila (8%), carnations (6%), alstroemeria (4%)
• Average FOB price (roses): $0.42/stem, up from $0.38 in 2025
• Key markets: United States (42%), Russia (18%), EU (16%), Canada (7%)

"Every refrigerated cargo flight from Quito to Miami is fully booked through February 12," said Alejandro Martinez, president of Expoflores. "We are seeing particularly strong demand for our proprietary tinted and garden-variety roses, which command premiums of 30-40% over standard reds."

Logistics investment

The sector's growth has been supported by a $45 million expansion of cold-chain cargo facilities at Mariscal Sucre airport, completed in November 2025, which increased perishable handling capacity by 40%. LATAM Cargo, Atlas Air, and Cargolux operate a combined 28 weekly freighter rotations from Quito during the Valentine's peak.

Expoflores noted that labour availability remains the sector's primary constraint, with approximately 120,000 workers employed across 600 farms during peak season. The association is advocating for streamlined temporary work permits to address seasonal shortfalls of an estimated 8,000 positions.