With Valentine's Day approaching, the global flower market is entering a period of active holiday deliveries. Farms in key producing countries are gradually switching to a special operating mode, which directly affects product availability, demand, and price dynamics.

The current season has a number of distinctive features that are important to consider when planning purchases. .

This year, at a significant number of Ecuadorian farms, flower production intended for Valentine’s Day shipments was ready earlier than the timelines forecasted by agronomists. This early release of flowers at the start of the season temporarily created a wider supply on the market. However, as peak deliveries approached, the situation began to change gradually. Against the backdrop of increased demand, volumes of key holiday positions on the free market are gradually decreasing, while price pressure from farms is intensifying.

First and foremost, interest in red varieties has traditionally increased, which has naturally led to price increases. The most significant price increases have been recorded for red roses of all shades, as well as red and burgundy carnations. Following them, pink and lavender shades, white varieties, garden roses, and spray roses also showed price increases..

Regular color positions are gradually becoming more expensive, but the overall price trend remains upward.

Ecuador is currently experiencing a shortage of spray roses, including both standard and garden varieties. Volumes available for sale are limited, which further increases price pressure in this category.

Demand for Kenyan products has also increased significantly this season. Against the backdrop of increased interest, prices are quite high, especially for red varieties and garden spray roses. It is important to note that during the holiday season, farms are practically not negotiating the price, and the volumes of available products on the open market are limited. Purchases in Kenya require quick decisions and a clear understanding of the actual availability for each specific farm

The Colombian market is currently experiencing a significant shortage of certain key positions. The Freedom variety is still available, but only at significantly higher holiday prices. Mini carnations are available in limited quantities, with the situation being particularly difficult for all pink shades. All Colombian growers have simultaneously raised their prices for carnations. Carnation varieties such as Brut, Hanoi, and similar items are currently almost out of stock

The main peak of Valentine's Day deliveries is expected between January 26 and February 8–9. During this time, farms switch to priority holiday shipments, focused on air transport to different regions of the world. During this period, there is traditionally a reduction in the availability of seasonal best-selling positions on the open market, a possible further increase in prices, and priority confirmation of pre-placed orders from farms.

Given the early release of products in Ecuador after the pinch, there is a possibility of an additional reduction in supply in the coming weeks, primarily for seasonal holiday positions. At the same time, the final situation will largely depend on weather factors and demand.

At present, there are no significant problems with purchasing other types of flowers. Most alternative categories maintain prices close to their regular levels, allowing customers to flexibly form their range even in the holiday market

In conditions of high seasonal demand, we recommend that our customers:

• place orders in advance whenever possible, which significantly increases the likelihood of their full fulfillment;
• when purchasing through the daily offers web platform, start working at 7:00 a.m. Ecuador time, when the main volume of available items opens;
• carefully consider Daoflowers' operational comments, which reflect the current purchasing requirements of farms.

Features of confirming shortage positions on the daily offers web platform:

• Red roses are currently confirmed by farms exclusively in combination with regular color varieties within the same farm.
• It is recommended to request color positions first, followed by red varieties.
• Some top farms confirm shortage color and garden varieties only if they are supplemented with a regular assortment.
• Attempts to negotiate the prices for popular holiday positions significantly reduce the likelihood of confirmation from growers.

The Daoflowers team keep monitoring the situation on farms in Ecuador, Colombia, and Kenya on a daily basis in order to provide customers with up-to-date information and support purchases as effectively as possible during the holiday season.