Feb 14, 2008 8:56 AM

Global express delivery and logistics company DHL is exporting an estimated 15 million fresh cut flowers from Latin America this Valentine’s Day season, for delivery to customers in the United Strates and around the world. A combination of roses, carnations, tropical flowers, and greens originating from Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica has already made its way into the United States, as well as other destinations that celebrate the February 14 holiday.

DHL consolidates floral parcels from growers in Latin America and protects the flowers by using bonded cold storage facilities to keep the product cool before air transport and immediately upon arrival. Ninety percent of floral shipments destined for the U.S. market go through Miami FL, where they undergo agricultural inspection at the DHL terminal there.

For its U.S. customers, DHL has added refrigerated trucks and dedicated flights exclusively for some of the most popular floral retailers and e-tailers.