From mid-January through May, there’s a major uptick in demand for fresh-cut flowers in the United States, and for good reason, it’s Valentine’s Day through Mother’s Day – peak flower season. So, to meet this big demand, the US relies heavily on imported flowers, with airfreight playing a crucial role in ensuring timely and fresh deliveries.

In 2025, projections indicate another record-setting season, with key airports, major buyers, and leading logistics providers operating at full capacity to manage the influx. Flower import landscape The United States stands as the world’s largest importer of fresh-cut flowers, with over 80 percent of its blooms arriving from Latin American countries, primarily Colombia and Ecuador. According to the Association of Floral Importers of Florida, more than a billion stems are expected to be shipped into the US during peak season, with roses being a big chunk of these imports

Handling the bloom boom

By far Miami International Airport (MIA) serves as the central hub for US flower imports, processing approximately 90 percent of all incoming flowers. During the busiest periods, like the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, MIA’s flower imports tend to double, making additional cargo flights and expanded logistics operations an absolute necessity. The airport’s specialised facilities and dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure swift processing and distribution of floral shipments.

Other major airports in the chain

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): The main gateway for West Coast distribution, particularly for markets in California and neighbouring states.

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Serves the Northeast, facilitating flower flow to surrounding metropolitan areas.

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): The epicentre of flower distribution in the Midwest. Driven by these key buyers

• Supermarkets and Mass Retailers: Chains such as Walmart, Kroger, and Costco are among the largest bulk flower purchasers, sourcing directly from importers and wholesalers to stock their floral sections.

• Online Retailers: Companies like 1-800-Flowers, The Bouqs Co., and UrbanStems depend on expedited air freight to deliver their fresh bouquets to customers nationwide.

• Florists and Wholesalers: Independent floral shops and event planners collaborate with major importers to select premium stems for their clientele.

From field to florist

The journey of flowers from farms in Colombia and Ecuador to consumers in the US is a meticulously coordinated process. Flowers are harvested, packed, and shipped within 48 hours to maintain freshness. Cargo carriers play a significant role in this supply chain. Just this month we visited Avianca Cargo who transported close to 18,000 tonnes of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador to the United States for Valentine’s Day, doubling its regular capacity and operating around 300 flights during the season.

This effort reflects the company’s commitment to quality, service, and of course the timeliness to maintain peak freshness. Upon arrival at US airports, shipments undergo inspections by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to prevent pests and diseases from spreading. For instance, Miami International Airport processes about 940 million cut flower stems during the Valentine’s season alone, with imports doubling during this period.

Avianca Cargo has stood out as Miami’s largest flower importer, transporting 18,000 tonnes of flowers on 300 flights thus far in February.

Economic impact and projections

The fresh-cut flower industry majorly contributes to the US economy. In 2024, the US imported US$1.14 billion worth of cut flowers from Colombia through November, surpassing the total imports for all of 2023. As demand for flowers grows annually, projections for 2025 suggest an even greater volume of imports. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the industry, including the need for sustainable practices and efficient logistics to handle increasing demand.

Challenges and innovations

Transporting perishable goods like flowers involves several challenges. Delays due to weather, labour disputes, or customs procedures can lead to significant losses. But companies are implementing various strategies to mitigate these risks:

• Investing in infrastructure: Some airlines have expanded their facilities, increased capacity at times by more than double to handle multiple flights simultaneously. This investment has led to big cuts in flower processing and delivery times.

• Expanding workforce: To meet heightened demand, carriers have increased their operational personnel by upwards of 30 percent, ensuring efficient handling and processing of floral shipments.

• Advanced scheduling systems: Implementing virtual scheduling systems has reduced cargo acceptance times by 56 percent, streamlining the supply chain from farm to retailer.

Sustainability

The environmental impact of importing large volumes of flowers has been a concern for some time now. The industry is exploring various initiatives to address sustainability, including:

• Carbon offset programmes: Aiming to neutralise airfreight’s carbon footprint.

• Eco-friendly packaging: Transitioning to biodegradable or recyclable materials to reduce waste.

• Energy-efficient transportation: Investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and optimising flight routes to minimize emissions.

What’s on the horizon?

As the 2025 Valentine’s-to-Mother’s Day season carries on, the US floral industry will continue to adapt and innovate to meet the ever-increasing demand. Through strategic investments, expanded infrastructure, and a focus on sustainability, the sector is set to handle the increased import volumes so that fresh flowers reach consumers nationwide for any special occasion.