News - Blooming Business: Miami Airport's Valentine's Day Flower Surge

As Valentine's Day approaches, Miami International Airport transforms into a bustling hub of romance, with the import of nearly 990 million stems of fresh cut flowers. Predominantly sourced from Colombia and Ecuador, these blooms are critical to sustaining the U.S. love economy, with 90% of the flowers entering the market through Miami. This annual flower flood is driven by increased flight activity from major carriers like Avianca Cargo, which is scaling operations to double capacity. CEO Diogo Elias highlights the dominance of red roses, which constitute over half of the imports at this time due to their popularity on the holiday. Agricultural specialists from U.S. Customs and Border Protection work tirelessly to inspect each shipment, ensuring that no harmful pests or plant diseases penetrate U.S. borders. Daniel Alonso, a CBP senior official, speaks to the diligence of this process, noting the importance of protecting both the floral and wider agricultural industries from potential threats. On average, 40-50 pests, primarily moths, are intercepted daily at the airport. Despite an increase in flower prices — attributed to tariffs and wage hikes in Colombia — consumer demand remains robust. The Association of Floral Importers of America, through Christine Boldt, acknowledges the added costs but notes the enduring appeal of floral gifts. Miami International Airport's director, Ralph Cutié, points to the significant economic impact of this trade, with flowers comprising nearly 400,000 tons of the airport’s annual cargo. The sentimental journey of blooms from South America to regions like Omaha underscores the airport's pivotal role in romantic celebrations nationwide, making it a center of pride. This peak season activity also underscores the logistical feats achieved at Miami International, with heightened operations becoming the norm to ensure Americans nationwide can share in the joy of fresh, vibrant floral expressions this Valentine's Day.