The last buying mission organized by the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) led to the flower country of Colombia. In early October, the import promotion initiative invited European buyers to get to know the diverse cut flower offerings of Colombian flower farms. The program included visits to around ten flower farms cultivating Hydrangeas, roses, carnations, Alstroemeria, and baby's breath (Gypsophila), as well as a visit to the Colombian flower fair ProFlora in Bogotá.
High Marks for the Production Processes
The trip was a great success. The flower farms impressed the guests from Europe. Buyers took the opportunity to examine product quality, processes, and the teams on the farms. The cut flowers presented met the high-quality standards of the buyers. They praised the flower size, color intensity, stem length, and freshness. Visitors also paid close attention to production processes and were very satisfied with cleanliness, harvesting procedures, sorting, packaging, and management.

Tim Erdmann, Expert Sourcing and Markets at IPD explains:
“The journey to the farms was sometimes a bit challenging due to poor road conditions. All the more surprising was the picture that awaited us: buyers were impressed by the high technical and organizational standards of the farms. The production areas were clean, well-structured, and the staff very professional.”
On-site visits made it clear that for buyers, high product quality is only attractive when combined with a good working environment. Good structures – including sustainable production processes, fair working conditions, and social responsibility – are not only closely linked to product quality but are also essential for international trade.

Alexander Manweiler from Willeke Blumen says:
“The impressions I am taking away from the trip are entirely positive. I encountered a very high level of professionalism on all farms.”
High Quality and Wide Product Range
Colombia is known for its excellent climatic conditions for flower cultivation: equatorial sun, high altitude, and Andean climate ensure strong stems, large flower heads, and intense colors. The goal of the buyers was to form their own impression and get to know the product quality and diversity on-site.
Rainer Südkamp from Flowers United (FUN) commented:
“The trip provided a good overview of the flower offerings in Colombia. The farms impressed with consistently high product quality, especially in hydrangeas, roses, and carnations.”
Among the farms visited was Hydraflora from the IPD program, specializing in hydrangeas with a range of colors and flower head sizes. The rose experts Plantas Kumanday and Saga Flowers were praised for their variety, offering numerous varieties, color shades – from classic to modern – and flower shapes. The company Ecoflor produces standard and spray carnations in various colors.

At Plantas Kumanday, the spark was already felt on-site, and by the end of the visit, the buyers put together five boxes for their order. Other farms also left a lasting impression, and further discussions were already scheduled.
Direct Exchange On-Site
The sourcing trip to Colombia once again highlighted the importance of direct exchange between small and medium-sized producers and buyers. Visiting in person allowed buyers to gain a deeper understanding of the product and its origin.

They could see the production conditions firsthand and discuss technical questions directly with producers. This knowledge can also support them in conversations with their own customers.
Andreas Bergmann from Schiersteiner Blumengroßhandel says:
“The trip was worthwhile. I not only met many potential trading partners but also learned a lot about cut flower cultivation in Colombia. I am convinced that this mutual understanding of customer requirements on the one hand and production conditions on the other benefits both of us as trading partners.”

Services of the Import Promotion Desk (IPD)
More information about cut flower offerings from Ecuador, Kenya, Colombia, and South Africa, as well as the neutral and free services of the IPD, can be found on the IPD website.
Visit the IPD booth (Stand B4.20) at the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) from November 4 - 6, 2025 in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands. An overview of the exhibitors at the IPD booth can be found here.
Photos by IPD.