Bogota, Colombia – The eagerly awaited Proflora exhibition is set to open its doors at the Corferias International Business and Exhibition Center in Bogota, Colombia, on October 4th. This year, the prestigious event marks its 30th anniversary, promising a grand celebration of the global floral industry. Over three days, more than 300 exhibitors from 18 countries will showcase their products and services, while a diverse audience of over 7,000 visitors hailing from nearly 60 countries is expected to attend.
Proflora serves as a dynamic platform where international flower industry leaders convene to establish fruitful relationships, fostering their business endeavors. Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores, underscored the event’s significance, stating, “During Proflora, Flowers of Colombia will demonstrate its commitment to the country, rural communities, and the 200,000 direct and indirect formal jobs it generates annually. We will affirm our flower growers’ dedication to responding effectively to the needs of new consumers and fostering sustainability in trade.”
Since its inception in the early 1990s, Proflora has evolved into a renowned global event, known not only for its impressive attendance figures but also for the exceptional quality of the floral showcase, international participation, and the prominence of the Contest of Varieties, which showcases Colombian floriculture innovation.
Leading flower producer associations worldwide have confirmed their attendance at this international gathering. Organizations such as the Society of American Florists (SAF), the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supply Association (WF&FSA), America’s Flower Connection (AFIF), the American Floral Endowment (AFE), the California Association of Flower Growers & Shippers (CALFLOWERS), That Flower Feeling Foundation, and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) are among the distinguished participants.
Proflora offers a unique opportunity for participants to forge connections and expand their business horizons. A pivotal aspect of fostering new business ties is the schedule of visits to Colombian flower farms arranged for buyers. During these visits, buyers can witness the quality, variety, and diversity of flowers, while also assessing sustainability from social, economic, and environmental perspectives, all of which are fundamental principles of the Colombian flower growing sector.
Augusto Solano emphasized the journey Proflora has taken, stating, “Proflora has come a long way since Asocolflores organized its first fair. It swiftly became a key reference point in global floriculture, where international ties strengthen, and concerted efforts are made to penetrate new markets.”
Furthermore, during Proflora, Asocolflores will host its renowned Contest of Varieties and present the Sustainability and Shared Value Awards.
In the Contest of Varieties, over 400 flower varieties will participate in two categories: Breeders, where hybridizer companies introduce new varieties, and Producers, where companies showcase existing commercial products. Leading breeders will display new shapes, colors, and textures that will shape the “Key Items” for the 2023-2024 flower season. The process of introducing a new variety at Proflora spans up to six years and involves extensive research and crossbreeding in laboratories worldwide.
The Sustainability and Shared Value Awards, judged by an expert panel, will recognize affiliated companies for their contributions to the social and environmental development of their employees and communities, aligning with the Millennium Development Goals.
Proflora promises a vibrant atmosphere where people from around the world converge amidst the beauty of flowers, cultivating new contacts, nurturing business connections, and forming enduring friendships. Across its four days, Proflora serves as a crucible for shaping the future of the global floriculture industry.
“Proflora is back, stronger than ever. Exceptional business opportunities, a trend-setting contest with global industry implications, networking possibilities with key stakeholders, farm visits supported by Flowers of Colombia, and unparalleled hospitality make Proflora an unmissable event,” concluded Solano.