The decrease in Colombian hydrangea snub flower exportation , what could be the reason ? Last calendar week , we published anarticlewith the export number from January till May 2019 ( - 4.7 % in time value and -3.5 % in volume compared to last yr ) and some possible reasons mentioned by Catalina Arango of Flores del Este . In a chemical reaction to this article , Juan Gomez of Candelaria Flowers pointed out thatcut hydrangea land area probably has hit peak development . But we get more reaction that shed sparkle on this " whodunit " . Are the smaller US weddings , the vase life , the changing preferences or are the logistics the understanding ? They all seem to play a role .
Hydrangea field atFlores Del Este .
US wedding engender smallerThe principal market for hydrangeas is the US with 76.9 % in economic value . When expect at the statistics of this year equate to last twelvemonth , figures pass down ( -5.5 % in value and -4.4 % in tons ) . The flower is a popular hymeneals blossom and accord to Amy Hernandez ofEsprit Miami , a US flower importer , the fact that US weddings are engender small might be a add factor to the decrement in export . " Statistics I have read is that they are about 10 % smaller guest wise and maybe even marriage party size too . Smaller more intimate events perchance creating a need for less quantity of flowers . We would find it a portion and I experience we have realise much less weddings in 2019 as well . "
Less demandAnd when verbalize about weddings in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia , importer and exporter Ahmed Frindi of Frindi Flower Productions sees the demand for Colombian hydrangeas decreasing . " I work out together with the best wedding party contriver in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and we all prefer Dutch hydrangeas , even if they are a bit expensive but it add together much better value at the design . Also , many of my top clients got tired of this hydrangea flower , because everyone is using it . All in all , it has lose its position as an expensive flower . I also look that in 2020 that I will decrease my purchase from Colombia because of this time of year and looking for other flower pick . It is unmanageable to forebode the other pick , but I see a vogue towards exclusive rosiness and paeony . And for the super - rich marriage , it will be a mix of cheap flowers , like greenery with expensive efflorescence like Vandas and Phalaenopsis . "
Vase lifeIn line with the statement of Arango and Gomez , regarding the low lineament get by many growers in the market , Robert Verbruggen ofChrysalhighlights the vase life as a possible ground for the decrease in exports . " Consumers expect minimum 8 days pleasure in their business firm . " On top of that , and possibly as a result of the bad timber flowers on the market , he thinks that consumers are look for newfangled other blossom types .
Cheap and bad logisticsMauricio Gleiser ofVacuum Cooling Colombia , a vacuum cool down system of rules and logistics services supplier , brings onward another issue which is link up to this quality issue , namely cheap and bad logistics , and particularly during the holidays . " The nitty-gritty of the problem reside in the fact that Colombia emphasizes too much on holiday . Amounts increase drastically , but the infrastructure can not handle these swelled routine . "
Medellinairport - badinfrastructureAccording to Gleiser , airfreight operation out of Medellin Airport ’s ( MDE ) payload terminal have been difficult for many years already . " substructure was very one-time and insufficient ( never enough to hold holiday volumes ) . And the atomisation of the manufacture ( farms+trucks ) required much - increased storehouse space and many more response door than they be after . "
Further , he adds , the rebuilding of the cargo end take several year longer , while imports dropped down to trifling figures . " Altogether airlines face the pressing need to raise rates or abandon . "
MDE to Bogota airdrome - cheap accomplish a peakMany raiser saw the need to truck their products into Bogota airport ( BOG ) and some get down considering the maritime alternative , which is base on the “ temperature is more important than speed ” rule , Gleiser explains . " Many people rushed into this alternative and attempt to replicate what was somewhat successful with a restricted survival of the fittest of pompon into UK and found , the hard way , that it did not work for their hydrangea . This is when " tinny " reached a peak and most corners were cut . "
" The above pictures show the primary “ consolidation center ” break to figure out the logistical crisis ( the parking circumstances of a gas post near La Ceja develop expanse ) where pocket-size truck coming from the farms are feeding the larger ones , that shall ram into Bogota airport and farm . A standardized but pocket-size one operates at the parking area of the airport ! "
" Both ways are ” chintzy ” , but very dearly-won in terms that raiser are now find out . "
Solution?“Many or even most damages to hydrangeas are due to botrytis , which are not solved by just proper cooling . Removal of liberal wet is the key , since botrytis spore bodily process continues down to 31F(-0.5ºC ) , Gleiser explain
According to him , the dead on target , complete root to validate the maritime choice is to consolidate box in a guarantee place , x - ray scan boxes , vacuum chill them to 34 - 36 F , cold stock and/or load them in a spliff hand truck into BOG ( or MDE ) or into a stick container . " All three show ways to reach the US grocery with good and consistent calibre mathematical product . "
" This counts for whole blossom industry in Colombia"However , this does not only count for the hydrangeas , but for the whole flower manufacture in Colombia , he stress . " The deficiency of minimum standard allows the “ bad guys ” to ache everybody else . Since this happens the worst during holidays , no routine sale are possible . For most Americans , such day , are their only efflorescence either purchase or receive along the year and are the basis of their perception of value : will they bribe again or not . "
GoalAccording to Gleiser , the goals should be reaching the holiday - only consumers with premium quality flowers and turn them into workaday fans . And what about the toll ? " It would be much less than pay up claims , losing prices or even the marketplace . "
© FloralDaily.com/Elita Vellekoop
