Adverse weather in Ecuador and Colombia has caused delays across key floral crops. The rainy season in Ecuador began late, following an extended dry spell and rolling blackouts. Now, heavy rain, high humidity, and cooler temperatures have slowed production for roses, fillers, poms, mums, and hydrangeas. Farms in southern Ecuador, particularly in the Cotopaxi region, are seeing the most significant delays.
Adding to these challenges, a consolidation of large farms in both Ecuador and Colombia over the past three years has reduced the number of independent suppliers. Much of this production has been redirected into bouquet and mass-market pipelines, further tightening the supply of premium products typically available to wholesalers and retailers.