Discover the massive operation behind the arrival of 460 million flowers

  • Around 90% of the roses and fresh cut flowers sold for Valentine’s Day in the US come through Miami International Airport
  • Miami International Airport handles around 18,000 tons of flowers for Valentine’s Day
  • Avianca Cargo transported around 460 million flowers from Ecuador and Colombia this season
  • US Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists inspect the flowers to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases
  • Mother’s Day in May is the next big flower day in the US

Miami International Airport is the bustling hub for Valentine’s Day flowers in the United States. Around 90% of the roses and fresh cut flowers sold for Valentine’s Day come through the airport, totaling approximately 18,000 tons of flowers. Avianca Cargo alone transported around 460 million flowers from Ecuador and Colombia this season. However, before these flowers reach their final destinations, they undergo inspection by US Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists to ensure they are free from harmful pests and diseases. This rigorous process aims to prevent economic and environmental losses caused by exotic pests and foreign animal diseases. Once the Valentine’s rush is over, preparations begin for the next big flower day in the US: Mother’s Day in May.

Public Companies: Avianca (AVH)
Private Companies:
Key People: Diogo Elias (Senior Vice President of Avianca Cargo), Danny Alonso (Port Director of Miami International Airport)


Factuality Level: 8
Justification: The article provides specific information about the volume of flowers passing through Miami International Airport during the Valentine’s Day season. It also includes quotes from a senior vice president of Avianca Cargo and the airport’s port director. The information about the role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists in checking the flowers for pests and diseases is also supported by quotes from the port director. Overall, the article provides factual information without any obvious bias or inaccuracies.

Noise Level: 7
Justification: The article provides some relevant information about the volume of flowers passing through Miami International Airport during the Valentine’s Day season. However, it lacks depth and analysis, and there is no scientific rigor or intellectual honesty. The article does not explore any long-term trends or antifragility. It also does not hold powerful people accountable or provide actionable insights or solutions. Overall, the article contains some repetitive information and lacks substance.

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The news article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme event.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com