Ecuador’s Flower Boom Ahead of Valentine’s Day 2026

Ecuador’s flower industry is preparing for Valentine’s Day 2026, with ideal weather boosting the production of various types of flowers. Growers in key regions report strong flower development ahead of the first shipments on January 22. Last year’s exports saw an 8.7% rise, and this season’s preparations are already underway to meet global demand.

Favourable conditions in Cayambe and Cotopaxi have helped the flowers thrive. Daytime temperatures in Cayambe averaged 17°C, dropping to -0.8°C at night, while Cotopaxi saw 14.6°C during the day and -1.8°C overnight. High solar radiation has further supported the growth of the flowers, and a slight cooling before harvest is expected to improve the quality of the flowers.

Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport is ready for the export rush. In 2025, 534 cargo flights carried 28,779 tons of flowers—a 9.6% increase in flights from the previous year. This year, marketers have already pre-booked orders and secured flight space, with similar or slightly higher volumes of flowers anticipated. Around 20 cargo airlines operated from Quito in 2025, delivering flowers to the US and Europe. While specific carriers for 2026 have not been named, industry experts expect comparable activity to handle the seasonal surge in flower shipments.

The first flower shipments will leave on January 22, 2026. Strong demand and efficient logistics aim to maintain Ecuador’s position as a leading global supplier of flowers. With the weather and infrastructure aligned, producers are set for another busy Valentine’s season.