The flower trade in the South American nation of Chile amounts to a rough 70 million dollars (~51.4 million Euros) annually, but no more than a few million of that amount comes from exports. That figure can be increased significantly, provided new markets can be opened up, according to local experts.
The key factor that would play an important role in making Chile’s flower export industry viable is its unconventional climate. Contrary to regional competitors Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, the Chilean geography and weather are well-suited to growing blooms like zantedeschia, peonies, lilies and tulips. That exclusive position can conceivably be exploited to create a healthy and lucrative (niche) market.
Moreover, "the profit margin is good, because of the counter-season export markets such as Europe, Japan and the United States, which are the largest flower buyers in the of world", states Jimena Castillo, regional director of Chilean Trade Commission ProChile. He is referring to the harvest season of these flowers arriving exactly when the prospective markets are in short supply of them. That is, in winter, suggesting there will be more than sufficient demand.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Florint.org