Colombia isn’t just a dot on the map with some decent coffee. For those of us knee-deep in petals, stems, and what’s in season next, Colombia is the place to be this fall. And here’s why: the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) — The project of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) — is inviting European flower buyers to tag along on a special trip. One week, two cities, dozens of flower farms, and a booth-to-booth dive into Proflora, Colombia's bi-annual flower trade show.
This isn’t just another trade show excursion. It’s a chance to see with your own eyes what Colombian growers, most of them medium-sized and smaller, tightly-run operations, are doing to meet Europe’s quality expectations and, honestly, to challenge some of the old assumptions we might still carry around about sourcing from Latin America.
What’s on the Agenda?
From September 28 to October 4, you’ll be hopping between Medellín and the country's capital Bogotá, meeting growers who specialize in everything from carnations, roses, and Chrysanthemums to the more offbeat — think Hydrangeas, Heliconias, and exotic cut foliage that can jazz up just about any arrangement.
These aren’t your average supplier visits. The farms that make it into IPD’s program have been pre-screened by the IPD team, not only for quality, but also for their ability to deliver sustainably and consistently. Many are small or mid-sized businesses, the kind that don’t always get the visibility they deserve at the big international shows. And that’s sort of the point.
Getting to Know IPD
If you are not familiar yet with the Import Promotion Desk, here's the short version: IPD helps connect growers in emerging markets with importers in Europe. Think of them as the matchmakers of the trade world — cutting out some of the fuzziness that can happen when you're working across continents and cultures.
IPD is about creating long-term, transparent, and fair trading relationships, with sustainability baked into the process from the start. Their work spans currently twenty-one countries — from Colombia to Cambodia — and while they support sectors like sustainable tourism and natural ingredients, floriculture is one of their core strengths. With around fifty companies from four countries, IPD offers European buyers a wide range of cut flowers and potential trading partners.
They’re also not-for-profit. So there’s no upsell here — just real efforts to shift global trade into a space that’s a bit more balanced.
Why the Colombia Trip Matters
It’s tempting to just stick with the same suppliers year after year. Safe bets, easy logistics, no surprises. But floriculture is shifting fast. There’s growing pressure to show not only traceability and sustainability, but also to keep the offer fresh, both literally and creatively. Visiting the farms in person, you get a feel for the people behind the flowers. You see the quality control, the growing conditions, and the sheer variety that often doesn’t show up in an export catalog. And by being there, you also give these growers a clearer sense of your own expectations, which makes the back-and-forth smoother in the long run.
You’ll also get full access to Proflora, one of the most important cut flower trade fairs in the Americas. Held every two years in Bogotá, Proflora draws over 1,600 buyers from more than sixty countries. It’s the kind of place where you can sniff out trends, build relationships, and — let’s be honest — scout for new ideas over a good empanada.
The Direct Trade Factor
If you've read the recent piece on Thursd about IPD’s push for more direct trade, you'll know this isn’t just about meeting suppliers. It’s about building shorter, smarter supply chains, where the distance between grower and florist isn’t packed with layers of middlemen. Direct trade means more of your money goes to the grower. It often means better quality, because the lines of communication are shorter. And it opens the door to custom work and tighter collaboration.
That’s not to say direct trade is the silver bullet for every business model. But if you're curious about how it could fit into your sourcing setup — or just want to get a closer look at the producers behind the petals — this trip’s a pretty solid start.
About the Logistics & How to Sign Up
IPD is handling the groundwork — the farm visits, the fair access, the meetings — and they're selective about who joins. This isn’t a bus tour with forty people taking selfies in the flower fields. It’s curated, targeted, and built for serious buyers who are open to exploring new connections.
You can find more details and the registration form here. Spots are limited, and like most good things in this industry, it helps to be early.
Get Colombia on Your Radar
If Colombia’s been on your radar — or even if it hasn’t — this is a rare chance to get a closer look. Not just at the flowers, but at the people and practices behind them. IPD’s mission is to create trade that works for everyone, and that includes florists and wholesalers who are serious about where their flowers come from.
So if you’re thinking about what your 2025 product range could look like, maybe it’s time to shake things up a little. Trade routes are shifting. Consumer tastes are evolving. And, honestly, it’s just good business to know what’s out there.
Colombia is calling. Maybe it’s time to answer.
