My recent visit to Sunrite Farms during Expo Flor Ecuador 2024 reiterated my admiration for this family-owned company, an avant-garde company producing high-quality roses in Ecuador. With over three decades of experience, they have stayed true to its roots while incorporating significant changes in its branding, image, and packaging. This evolution demonstrates a thorough fidelity and adherence to tradition, innovation, and sustainability, positioning them as one of the most prestigious farms in the country. Join me as I tell you everything about my visit.
My Tour Around Sunrite Farms' Unique Rose Farms
A year ago, when I first became interested in Sunrite, I felt an immediate connection with their approach. My visit to one of their three farms only confirmed that first impression: a family business that has adapted to market demands without losing sight of its core values. With over 80 varieties of premium roses cultivated with precision to meet customer demands, their focus on creating fresh, innovative ideas and being overly precise in every process really reflects in everything they do.
Accompanied by Marcelo Carrera, their Sales Director; Ana Maria Donoso, their Marketing Manager; Santiago Garcia, Harvest Supervisor; Rosa Jitala, in charge of Quality Control; Alonso Davila, their Head of Post-Harvest; and Marcel de Romph, Managing Editor of the Thursd team, we witnessed firsthand the approximately 30 hectares of their facilities. With the help of loyal employees, we observed the changes that are making a difference. From the rigorous classification process that sorts rejections to the beautiful packaging selected for shipping, every detail is carefully managed.
I was greatly impressed by the internal quality control maintained between their departments while in the process. Moreover, I was touched by the passion with which their workers embrace these changes, fully understanding the importance of their role in this transformation process. It was a magical and deeply emotional experience.
A Stunning, on Fleek, Visual, and Learning Experience
The team—who was very welcoming to us—gave us a detailed presentation of their packaging process, showing us how each order was prepared with extreme care before shipment. From the impeccable handling of the cold chain while in the cold room to the loading docks of the trucks, every stage of the arduous process shows an incredibly high standard of quality and the pursuit to reach a high level of distinction in the market.
Another highlight for me was seeing their work and steps toward becoming a more sustainable company. During the fair, I had the chance to observe a small sample of their biological fungi, such as Trichoderma spp., Beauveria bassiana, and Paecilomyces spp., which Sunrite uses to naturally control pests. These fungi, developed in their laboratory, not only combat harmful fungi that ecologically attack the plants but also improve soil health, significantly reducing the use of chemicals. It’s an admirable example of how they combine innovation and environmental responsibility to grow prime-quality roses more sustainably, a key aspect communicated in their commercial approach.
A particularly memorable moment for me was in their post-harvest area when Alonso Davila presented us with an unexpected surprise. He asked several packers to step away from the conveyor belt, pick a bouquet of roses, and sell it to us. It was impressive to see how naturally they did this. Esteban, one of the young men selected, asked me if I liked what he had packed, and it was touching to see the pride on his face. This common practice at the farms, according to Marcelo and Ana Maria, allows employees to feel a more emotional and complete connection with the products they handle. I applaud this initiative, which gives them a sense of ownership and makes them essential participants in the production chain.
A Fulfilling and Enrichening Experience at Expo Flor Ecuador
During Expo Flor Ecuador, I also had the opportunity to visit Sunrite Farms' stand several times, where they presented their new varieties, such as De Ruiter's spectacular X-Pression line. These roses are just a glimpse of what’s to come in their premium rose portfolio, reaffirming their leadership in the innovation and diversification of Ecuadorian roses. But besides spending time at their booth during one of the most amazing fairs I've been a part of, I wanted to finish this experience by saying that my visit to their farms was unforgettable, not only because of the impressive technological and ingenious advances but also because of the genuine devotion and pride of every person who is part of their team.
They excitingly continue to make a difference in the rose industry in Ecuador, mixing tradition, innovation, sustainability, and quality in an inspiring way.
