MADRID - IAG Cargo, through its brands Iberia Cargo and British Airways World Cargo, has carried ca. 700 hundred tonnes of flowers across the globe for Valentine’s Day. Iberia Cargo has transported more than 356 tonnes of Valentine’s flowers this year, representing an increase of 6.7% on the same period in 2011. The flora carried comes from key producers and exporters in Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Guatemala to stock up florists across Spain and also European countries such as The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, British Airways World Cargo carried over 335 tonnes of flowers for Valentine’s Day last year and is set to see similar numbers in 2012.
With the expanded global network resulting from Iberia Cargo and British Airways World Cargo joining forces, IAG Cargo has Valentine’s covered. Iberia will focus on Latin American markets, with British Airways transporting blooms from North America and South Africa. The group’s figure also show there is no break from tradition. The most popular flower for Valentine’s, and indeed all year round, remains the rose. This is followed by carnations.
IAG Cargo’s Deputy Manager Director, Ignacio Díez Barturen, said: “Valentine’s Day is an important date for global flower producers and the cargo industry. For Latin America in particular, Valentine’s is a crucial time to increase sales and exports. In fact, during high seasons such as Valentine’s Day and All Saints Day, bellies of aircraft flying back from Colombia and Ecuador to Madrid can be 100% full of flowers.”
To ensure flowers are delivered to shops and their customers in a fresh condition, a robust temperature controlled process is deployed. The Perishables Handling Centres at both Madrid and London Heathrow airports, the main hubs of Iberia Cargo and British Airways World Cargo, are key parts of this. Flowers are kept there in refrigerated storage at the correct temperature and humidity and at no time is the ‘cold chain’ broken.
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