“ We are trust on our airline partners ” , says Christine Boldt , Vice President of the Association of Floral Importers of Florida ( AFIF ) , when she was asked about the logistics in the run - up to Valentine ’s Day ( February 14 ) . Next workweek , the farms in Ecuador and Colombia start shipping their Valentine ’s Day orders to the US and demand is high , credibly high than pre - COVID time . However , mystify them to Miami , where the majority of the flowers enter the country , becomes a challenge as there is a fate of competitor for cargo infinite .
“ It ’s a domino effect ” , she explain . “ When COVID hit , of course all passenger flights stopped . And when there are no rider flight , no cargo can be shipped in the bellies , which mean that it has to go on cargo airline . However , the cargo place has n’t increased , putting air pressure on the flush manufacture as the air hose are choose for the commodities for which they welcome the highest prices and those often are n’t peak . ”
In the run - up to Valentine ’s Day shipments are 7 to 10 times eminent than what they ordinarily transport . So , more flights are needed , but if the airline business are capable to append the flight needed , that ’s a huge doubtfulness mark . “ Verbally , the airlines assured us that they would be position more flight in , but we will just have to await and see if the number of flight will accommodate all of the volumes to ship . ”
What about sea cargo ? “ Over the last age , the figure of sea containers has gone up importantly , but for the shipment of roses - the act one Valentine ’s Day blossom – this type of shipment imply a fortune of risks ; if there is a pest in the container , the whole container needs to be fumigated and then , costs will be in high spirits . ” Yet , sea cargo are a secure environment for temperature controller products like flowers .
luckily , there is also skilful news to partake ; The need is gamy , belike higher than in previous year , and Miami is ready to encounter the huge amount of blossom , she says . “ Customs are render us extra inspectors prior to Valentine ’s Day and importers are ready . ”
Then , the final challenge is getting enough truck drivers . “ As there are a lot more blossom to be transported throughout the country , more driver are needed . And as the body politic is already dealing with truck driver shortages , this will pose another challenge . ”
Despite all challenge induce by COVID-19 , Boldt is still very pleased . “ COVID render the industry in the US something we could have never predicted . prime importer never close ( unlike a lot of middleman and retail florist shop ) . They were always here and were therefore able to lease the great unwashed feel the huge emotional note value of flowers . Over the last year , demand has been higher than the supply . Again , this is great , but the last matter you want is to disappoint consumers in not have enough for them for Valentine ’s mean solar day not being capable to supply them . ”
© FloralDaily.com/Elita Vellekoop
