Federal Express Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company, projects it will move more than 2.8 million pounds of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador during the Mother’s Day season, estimating a 19% increase in export volume compared to the previous season.
Colombia continues to strengthen its position as the world’s second-largest flower exporter, with an industry that generates more than 240,000 formal jobs in the country. According to Asocolflores, the United States remains the main destination, accounting for 80% of fresh flower shipments[1]. Beyond volume, this season also reflects the evolution of an industry moving toward more digital, direct, and data-driven business models.
“From FedEx, we are seeing how e-commerce is transforming the way fresh flowers reach international markets, and during high-demand periods such as Mother’s Day, technology, data, and reliable international logistics are key factors in connecting Latin American producers with buyers in North America in an agile, visible, and predictable way,” said Anggy Mier, global sales manager for FedEx in the Andean and South Cone Region.
An example of this new business model is company’s collaboration with iBuyFlowers, the first online B2B marketplace for fresh flowers, which directly connects producers with international buyers. iBuyFlowers has developed a digital model that simplifies the purchase of more than 9,000 varieties of flowers from 100 partner farms[2], while FedEx contributes its logistics capabilities through a process that begins immediately after the flowers are cut, ensuring they arrive fresh at their final destination in less than three days.
“iBuyFlowers was born out of direct experience in the floriculture industry. Our team has worked for years on farms, in flower shop operations, and in floral design for events, which has allowed us to understand the challenges at every stage of the supply chain. The expertise in perishable products that FedEx provides, with its specialized teams at origin and in Miami, along with its predictability and real-time tracking tools, feels like an extension of our team, helping us reach customers who value freshness, speed, and reliability in every order,” said Anouk Beeren, co-CEO of iBuyFlowers.
In international e-commerce for fresh flowers, data plays a critical role. It enables more accurate demand forecasting, streamlines order management, helps coordinate seasonal surges, and supports a more consistent experience across every stage of the supply chain. This approach is especially important during peak seasons, when the ability to plan ahead and respond quickly can be the difference between a successful delivery and a missed opportunity.
To support this season, FedEx will strengthen its operations with 17 additional flights—14 from Bogotá and three from Quito—complementing its regular frequencies to Miami. The company also offers solutions such as FedEx International Priority Direct Distribution® (IPD), which enables deliveries within 48 to 72 hours from Bogotá and Medellín to North America.
In recent years, FedEx has also expanded its facilities in Bogotá and Medellín and modernized its air cargo hub at Miami International Airport, home to the company’s largest cold chain facilities globally.