The value of the flower trade transported by air has surged from $852 million in 2003 to $3.7 billion in 2024 — a four-fold increase. Alongside the growth of this market, there has been a noticeable shift in its composition, especially the participants.

Imports were dominated by the US, the UK and Germany in 2003, with respective shares of 66.3 per cent, 12.1 per cent and 4.4 per cent. By 2024, the US imported 53.6 per cent of the total, followed by the Netherlands, a main distribution centre for flower re-exports, at 31.2 per cent, and the UK now far behind at 5.5 per cent.

Colombia was the leading exporter in 2003 with a 50.2 per cent market share, followed by Ecuador at 16.2 per cent and the Netherlands at 8.9 per cent. Colombia has since pulled back to 42.3 per cent. The Netherlands has been knocked off the list in favour of expanded market shares by Ecuador and Kenya, as well as newcomer Ethiopia.

Two key factors contributed to this shift. First, trade agreements reduced tariffs and barriers, increasing exports and opening markets for developing nations. Second, developments in air cargo, including improved refrigeration and logistics, ensured that flowers remained fresh and enabled seamless global distribution of large volumes on time.

Aviation security sector backs digital IDs

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for rapid adoption of digital identity technologies to enhance aviation security and operational efficiency.

At the recent Sydney Leaders Week Conference, leading government and industry stakeholders in aviation security supported this position, emphasising the need for collaboration in implementing verifiable credentials (VC) and decentralised identifiers (DIDs).

Digital identity is expected to bring the following benefits to aviation security:

Stronger document integrity: Reducing fraud and unauthorised access.

Global trust: Enabling secure, cross-border, interoperable identity verification.

Operational efficiency: Streamlining document verification for a smoother passenger experience, strengthening regulatory oversight and optimising resource allocation.

“Global cooperation keeps flying secure. Adopting verifiable credentials and decentralised identifiers standards is a natural next step in reinforcing security, trust and efficiency. Every aviation stakeholder wants flying to be even more secure — which crosses geopolitical divides. The technology is ready and proven,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice-President, Operations, Safety and Security.

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Published on March 23, 2025