The event, which has become the face of Colombian floriculture to the world, reaches its 30th edition this year and expects the participation of close to 1,500 buyers from more than 60 countries.

The eyes of the main producers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of the global flower market will soon be on Colombia. The explosion of colors and aromas will take over the country’s capital during the return of the most important fresh cut flower fair in the sector worldwide: Proflora 2023.

Proflora, the event that has become the face of Colombian floriculture before the world and that will be held from October 4 to 6 at the Corferias venue in the city of Bogota, reaches its 30th edition. This year, buyers and visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Mexico, France, China, the Netherlands, Spain, among others, are expected to participate.

«The fact that we are celebrating 30 years of organizing Proflora speaks of the success and relevance of this fair for floriculture in the world. Attendees, buyers and exhibitors from the entire value chain of the sector confirm that this is the right place to network and close new business deals,» said Cristina Uricoechea, director of Proflora.

According to the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters-Asocolflores, this is the perfect scenario for national (mostly) and international producers to show the world the quality, variety, beauty and attractiveness of each of the flowers exhibited.

This fair has established itself as the perfect opportunity to open up business opportunities and visibility, both for companies with a longer history in the market and for those that have been growing in recent years, as is the case of those participating from the National Directorate of Small Producers.

«Due to its economic, commercial, technical and business aspects, Proflora is an unmissable event for the international flower sector. Because of the interest it arouses and the spirit it fosters, it is also seen worldwide as a meeting between friends and a chance to forge and maintain lasting relationships. There will be more than 18,000 square meters in which exhibitors of different nationalities will participate with modern stands, carefully designed and illuminated, to welcome visitors and make this an unforgettable experience for the color and diversity of its flowers. If to the above we add its variety contest, which will guide the new trends in the sector in the more than 100 countries to which we export, this will be a unique sensory experience,» says Augusto Solano, president of Asocolflores.

COMPETITION WILL SHOWCASE MORE THAN 350 NEW VARIETIES

Proflora sets trends and combines innovative elements to be always at the forefront. This is demonstrated by its variety contest, which is always held within the framework of the fair. On this occasion, attendees will be able to see more than 350 varieties in two categories: breeders, hybridizing companies that present new varieties that are not in commercial production, and producers, companies that will participate with a product that is already commercialized.

For three days they will present to more than 1,500 buyers from more than 60 countries the new species, trends and guidelines that will define the so-called key fashion elements for the next floral season 2023 – 2024.

The contest has 18 categories, some of these are the rose, spray rose, carnation, mini carnation, chrysanthemum, spray chrysanthemum, alstroemeria, hydrangea, among others, with a total of 134 options to participate, which will allow a glimpse of the great diversity that exists in the sector.

Participants will be evaluated by a jury of national and international experts in the field. According to Ceniflores, there are already 9 confirmed jurors, who will be responsible for evaluating each variety, taking into account factors such as color, firmness, uniformity, water p.h and sanitary conditions.

It is worth noting that, in order to bring these new varieties, breeders carry out hundreds of researches and crosses, in processes that could take up to six years. In order to obtain three or four new varieties, breeders have to make about 8,000 crosses.

BACK TO THE PRESENCIALITY

This 30th edition of Proflora is a very special one compared to previous editions, as it will be marked by the reunion and the connection generated by being back in the face-to-face fairs, especially in the fair that shows the most beautiful product of the country: flowers. Therefore, the presence of international visitors and buyers will be essential for them to learn about the different social, environmental and economic initiatives with which all the Colombian flowers on display are cultivated, and thus achieve a floral experience that awakens integral and memorable emotions at an international level, experiences that only flowers can transmit.

In addition, as is tradition, the first days of the exhibition will be dedicated to professional visitors and international buyers, and the last day the doors will be open to the public, so that not only the business players can get to know the most awaited commercial showcase, but also that each person behind the crops can see what their hands have created thanks to the dedication and commitment that has always characterized the flower sector.