As part of the strategy to position Flowers of Colombia and reinforce the export of Colombian flowers to these markets, Asocolflores recently organized a tour with Colombian flower growers to Japan and Korea. During the tour to both of these countries, it was possible to appreciate the amazing diversity of colors, shapes, textures, and fragrances that characterize the Flowers of Colombia, assuring their prominence in the key markets of Asia.
Strategic Collaboration - Asocolflores, ProColombia, and Embassies Unite
The tour, led by Asocolflores with patronage of Procolombia and the Embassies of Colombia in those countries, had the participation of nine flower growers in Japan and thirteen in Korea, who put their products under the spotlight and jointly developed activities for flower buyers and importers in both countries, addressed, as well, to wedding and event planners, flower shops, journalists, influencers, and to the final consumers, of course.
The presence of Colombian flowers in Japan had four landmarks, starting with a showroom where the flower growers had the chance to meet with local buyers. This event, which CEVA and Kuehne + Nagel participated in, allured more than 100 guests, including prominent representatives of the flower-growing sector and Japanese celebrities.
A moment worth depicting in the showroom was the live contest, in which Japanese students who will become florists participated in a five-minute flower arrangement competition using flowers selected directly from the Colombian participants' exhibition tables. This show was an excellent opportunity to point out to the event participants the creativity that flourishes with the quality of Colombian flowers.
Colombian Flowers Fully Present Internationally
The Flowers of Colombia brand was also present in Japan with a high-level floral workshop at the Florist Shop of Nicolai Bergmann, one of the most prestigious foreign artists in the country and synonymous with contemporary floral design, where he shared with more than 50 participants the magic of Colombian flowers and their ability to transform any space with their color and freshness.
Another significant highlight of the Japan tour was the emphasis made on the wellness that flowers convey. Under this premise, yoga classes emphasizing the chakra system were organized, with 40 participants who selected and created their own floral arrangements, mirroring the harmony and well-being that Flowers of Colombia can provide to their daily lives.
Simultaneously, the tour included a special event in Osaka, in anticipation of the World Expo Osaka 2025. Colombia is the first country to cooperate in promoting the above-mentioned Expo, through its Flowers of Colombia. During the event, flower bouquets with Colombian flowers were offered to the mayors of Osaka and Kita-Ku, and to the upcoming expo's official mascot, Myaku-Myaku. Likewise, during a floral workshop, Myaku-Myaku´s attire was embellished with Colombian flowers, boasting about the colors and the joy our country has to offer to the world.
Hopping on a Travel Journey to Korea With Flowers of Colombia
Korea, being the main importer, with about 40% of its flowers coming from Colombia, was the other Asian country that enjoyed the presence of Colombian visitors. Asocolflores prepared a showroom jointly with Procolombia and the Embassy of Colombia in Korea, where 13 Colombian flower growers met with over 50 Korean buyers and importers. A great variety of carnations, roses, alstroemerias, and foliage were exhibited, stimulating interest from the public due to their quality and the variety of options offered by the Colombian products.
Likewise, the session included networking and a contest. The Flowers of Colombia 2024 Competition for University Students, with the slogan 'Christmas Floral Fantasy', stressed the flower culture both at a national and international scale. The students, future managers of floral companies, created arrangements with Colombian flowers promoting their use by professional floral designers.
During the weekend and with the cooperation of the Ediya Coffee brand, a special activity was organized where customers who purchased Colombian coffee received a courtesy of Colombian flowers. This initiative not only offered a complete sensory experience to the consumers, it also highlighted the benefits of flowers in terms of well-being, supported by scientific research about their positive effects on people.
The Flowers of Colombia tour through Japan and Korea has continued to enhance the presence of Colombian floriculture in those strategic markets. These innovative events combining creativity, wellness, and culture, not only promote Colombian flowers, but they also consolidate relationships with key buyers and expand key data about the diversity and quality of our flowers in Asia. These types of activities reaffirm the commitment of Asocolflores to continue positioning Colombia as a worldwide flower export leader.
