Ikebana Co. SAS, a subsidiary of Universal Flower Service co., Ltd., has made waves in the world of Japanese sweet pea production by establishing a thriving venture in Colombia. Founded by Takeshi Nakamoto and Mónica Miranda, this innovative company embarked on a journey that has led to the successful cultivation and export of Japanese sweet pea varieties under the brand name Bijo. In this article, Monica Miranda shares insights into the company’s origins, the varieties they produce, and their promising future plans.
An Entrepreneurial Endeavor
Ikebana Co. SAS is part of Universal Flower Service, a Japanese company specializing in the production and export of Japanese flowers to East Asian countries. Universal Flower Service is renowned as one of Japan’s largest exporters of Japanese sweet peas. The company is jointly owned by Takeshi Nakamoto, a Japanese entrepreneur, and Mónica Miranda, a Colombian entrepreneur. As a multicultural and innovative enterprise, Universal Flower Service is known for its family-oriented approach.
Seizing the Opportunity
The decision to cultivate Japanese sweet peas in Colombia was driven by the growing demand for this unique flower variety in various international markets, notably the United States. Takeshi Nakamoto, CEO of Universal Flower Service, initiated the Colombian venture to ensure a year-round supply of Japanese sweet pea varieties outside East Asia. The project was a result of collaboration with Japanese producers and the invaluable support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA played a crucial role in conducting a feasibility study for this ambitious project.
Mónica Miranda explains, “We worked for three years to develop what would be the first production of sweet peas in the history of Colombia. The cooperation of the two countries, with JICA and the Japanese producers from Japan, and the support of Colombian institutions such as the ICA and Procolombia, promoted the development of the project. Our producer partners in Colombia, Plazoleta Flowers and Flores el Zorro, along with the leadership of Universal Flower Services, made it possible, after three years of hard work, to export the first 100% Colombian-produced Japanese sweet peas in April 2023.”
Bijo: The Brand of Elegance
Bijo serves as the brand name for their Japanese Sweet Pea line of products, representing “Beautiful Lady” in Japanese. The sweet peas grown by Ikebana Co. SAS are already well-known in the market, appreciated by decorators, florists, and wedding planners. The sweet pea is celebrated for its delicate beauty and distinctive fragrance. Ikebana Co. SAS has developed a unique production technique to ensure superior quality, matching the globally reputed Japanese quality. White and lavender sweet pea varieties are particularly in high demand.
Awards and Recognition
The Colombian sweet peas have gained recognition in the industry, with several varieties earning prestigious awards. “During the SAF Outstanding Varieties Competition, we won the first prize with Yuki, and during the Proflora Outstanding Varieties Competition, in the category of New Producers, we won the first prize with Sumire.”
A Blooming Future
Mónica Miranda envisions a promising future for their Colombian-grown sweet peas. Their plans involve gradual expansion in terms of assortment and acreage. As they continue to innovate and excel in their cultivation techniques, Ikebana Co. SAS is set to further establish itself as a leading producer of Japanese sweet peas, contributing to the international floral market.