Survival of the fittest keeps industry in shape

Taking into account Ecuador's economic crisis, Agriflor de las Americas turned out much better than expected!

One-stop supermarket supplier

While the industry as a whole in Ecuador might be suffering, the large well-run farms, without loans, seem relatively unaffected.

Intensive breeding boosts new varieties

Much effort over the last three years is allowing rose breeder NIRP to launch about 20 new varieties, which it feels are worth introducing.

Supply chain management is key to success

Optimum management of the supply chain, which includes having numerous certificates, in principle gives immediate access to supermarket chains. This allows one farm in Ecuador to be successful while others struggle to survive.

Market sector decides type of greenhouse

On a worldwide basis the majority of greenhouses have a plastic covering. However, as greenhouses become more sophisticated and the price difference between plastic and glass becomes smaller, more glass is expected in the future.

Increase use of coir

The use of coconuts in various industries virtually guarantees the supply of coir, a substrate which is finding increased popularity with growers around the world.

Myriad of new varieties makes choosing difficult

Aside from new colours, completing a series and extending the range of perennials, breeders seem to have set two goals: to create plants that need a minimum of chemical input and to shorten the growing period. The first goal manifests itself in plants that do not need any growth regulators to remain small and compact. The second goal is meant to enable growers to use their greenhouses more profitably.