Colombian flower exports once again find one of their strongest drivers in Mother’s Day. In 2025, this season generated more than US$430 million in overseas sales, with 2% growth compared to the previous year, consolidating a sustained trend that reinforces the weight of floriculture within the country’s non-mining, non-energy trade.
The figure is equivalent to 18% of the sector’s annual exports, confirming that this celebration is decisive for the industry. With the United States as the main destination and the date marked on the calendar for next Sunday, May 10, 2026, expectations are once again high for Colombian producers and exporters.
Mother’s Day Drives Surge in Colombia’s Flower Exports
The Mother’s Day season has become one of the most intense times of the year for Colombian floriculture. During these weeks, shipment volumes increase significantly, boosting the entire production chain, from cultivation to international logistics.
In 2025, Colombia exported tens of thousands of tons of flowers during this period, reflecting the sector’s ability to meet demand concentrated within just a few days. This pattern is not new, but it is increasingly relevant, as it confirms the country’s specialization in serving international markets on key dates.
Planning behind this operation begins months in advance. Growers adjust their production cycles to ensure flowers are ready at the precise moment, while exporting companies coordinate routes, timelines, and volumes with airlines and distributors abroad.
The impact of this activity goes beyond economics. Floriculture is one of the sectors that generates the most formal employment in rural Colombia, with strong participation by women, making it a social pillar in several regions of the country.
As explained to the local newspaper La Republica by Asocolflores president Laura Valdivieso, “the Mother’s Day season is the result of the work of 240,000 formal jobs, of which 150,000 are direct and 60% are held by women, most of them heads of household.”
In addition, according to Valdivieso as cited by the outlet, for this season alone the sector requires more than 24% additional personnel in the main production areas, notably the Bogota savanna, which accounts for 84% of production, and eastern Antioquia, with 15%.
The United States, the main destination
The U.S. market remains the central pillar of Colombian flower exports. Around 80% of external sales are destined for that country, which absorbs most of the production, especially on dates such as Mother’s Day.
Geographic proximity and logistics infrastructure have helped consolidate this trade relationship. Airports such as Miami serve as key distribution hubs, from where flowers are dispatched to different cities across the United States within hours.
Roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums lead the export offering, although in recent years there has been greater diversification of species to meet consumer tastes and trends. Even so, the weight of the U.S. market remains decisive for the sector’s performance.
Other countries, such as Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom, are also part of the export map, but with smaller shares. Dependence on the United States remains high, making that market a key factor for business stability.
Looking ahead to 2026, the sector maintains an optimistic outlook. Mother’s Day in the United States will be celebrated on May 10, and projections point to a similar performance to the previous year, with revenues that could remain close to the US$430 million recorded last year.
Estimates indicate that export volumes will continue to grow, supported by productivity improvements and steady international demand. The industry has strengthened its efficiency, allowing it to respond more quickly and with higher quality to overseas orders.
This period is once again shaping up as the second most important of the year for floriculture, only behind Valentine’s Day. The combination of volume, prices, and demand makes it a key season for companies’ annual results.
More than flowers: logistics, employment, and foreign exchange
The flower business depends on highly efficient logistics. As a perishable product, timing is critical. From cutting in the fields to arrival at the final consumer, each stage is carefully coordinated to preserve quality.
The Bogota savanna and eastern Antioquia concentrate a large share of national production. From these regions, flowers are quickly transported to international airports, where they are shipped mainly by air to their final destinations.
In economic terms, floriculture remains an important source of foreign exchange for Colombia. Its presence in more than 100 countries and its ability to generate steady income consolidate it as one of the most stable export sectors within the economy.
Despite its strong performance, the industry faces significant challenges. Factors such as the exchange rate, production costs, and international trade conditions directly affect its profitability.
Competition is also increasing. Countries such as Ecuador have gained ground in some markets, forcing Colombia to maintain high quality standards and innovate in its offering to preserve its leadership.
Even so, the overall outlook remains favorable. Global demand for flowers continues to expand, and Mother’s Day remains one of the most important dates for the sector. Beyond its symbolism, it is a season that moves millions of dollars and reaffirms Colombia’s role as one of the world’s leading flower exporters.