Proflora 2019: Diversity That Inspires!

As the curtains fall on this year’s edition of Proflora, there is an air of positivity as stakeholders forecast a more robust floriculture sector in Colombia. The two-day tradeshow was a genuine reflection of the status of the country’s ornamental industry. Proflora featured 500 stands, 1400 varieties and thousands upon thousands of flowers and foliages.

Exhibitors showcased their different products and services to visitors drawn from all corners of the globe. The list of exhibitors and visitors to the show constituted of growers, breeders, suppliers, and other flower trade enthusiasts; and were all fired up in their interactions to exploit new ways of growing markets, enhancing innovations and bettering the products.

President Dr. Iván Duque Márquez of Colombia presided over the official opening ceremony of Proflora 2019 in Bogota. 

The Colombian floriculture industry features a selection of more than 1600 flower varieties. This extensive selection includes among others; roses, carnations, orchids, alstroemerias, and pompons. The sector was established more than half a century ago, and currently, Colombia sells to nearly 100 countries and is also the number one exporter of cut-flowers to the United States. 

Organizers of the Proflora Show, Asocolflores, (The Association of Colombian Flower Exporters) is the umbrella body representing flower growers who manage nearly 75% of Colombia’s total flower exports. The organization brings together over 240 affiliate crops situated around the Bogota Savannah, in the Rionegro, Antioquia, the old Caldas, and Valle del Cauca regions. The top three Colombian flowers are orchids, roses, and standard carnations. Colombia has the largest number of orchids in the world, with more than 4,000 different species and 1,543 that are only found in Colombia.

During the event, International flower buyers and journalists got a chance to practice floral design using an array of Colombian flowers and foliage. This fun-filled activity was conducted under the tutelage of floral designer Juliana Bustillo. (check out images in the gallery below)

The next Proflora show will be held in 2021. The event is visited by more than 1,000 international buyers and about 7,000 visitors in general for 3 days display.

During the show, winners of Outstanding Varieties Competition were feted under different categories of Flowers and foliage for breeders and growers. Here are some of the winners and moments during the official award ceremony.