You might say that Asia’s recent upsurge in demand for fresh-cut flowers is a sign of the times. Certainly it’s a very good sign for Colombian growers who have an abundance of product available – even as they continue to recover from the pandemic. But what happens when need exceeds capacity in getting these flowers swiftly to market, especially during a peak holiday period?
This exact scenario played out last month, when distributors and forwarders familiar with the typical ebb and flow of the Asian appetite for the world’s finest flowers found themselves struggling with unprecedented market demand leading up to Mother’s Day.
Whether it was a result of pent up consumer demand to finally give the gift of flowers again, or growth in general stemming from heightened expansion of the global flower trade, it is estimated that volume across Asia increased 300 percent year-over-year for Mother’s Day bouquets – with Japan and Korea leading the way.
Bogota-Tokyo Mission Accomplished
Either way, shippers turned to the Prime Group of Companies for last-minute help – and we succeeded. I am proud to share that PrimeAir, our well-known provider General Sales & Service Agent (GSSA) services in Latin America, was able to swiftly resolve the sudden shortfall in air-cargo capacity – by executing a direct B747F charter flight between Bogota and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. And it was an amazing sight to see.
Tapping from our long-term relationships with major air carriers and cargo agents worldwide, this challenging mission went without a hitch, as 95 tons of fresh flowers were moved via operation of the only direct flight of this kind from Colombia Bogota to Japan thus far this year.
We’ve got a long history of offering logical alternatives to our customers that match their increasing requirements for volume with the necessary extra capacity they need – when they need it. But this Japan charter operation truly stands out because it demonstrates PrimeAir’s ability to immediately mobilize and respond to rapid changes in the market – anywhere in the world. It’s what the people of PrimeAir do and do well.
A Banner Moment for PrimeAir
In fact, I wish to thank all the members of our global team – from Colombia to Miami and those dispatched to Japan – who helped to make this operation such a resounding success. It was a banner moment for our company – and one for which our customers are also grateful.
Whether it’s PrimeAir people skillfully conducting a massive long-haul charter operation, or the experts at Prime Fresh Handling and Prime Logistics providing international handling, shipping, and warehousing of perishables, vaccines, and other essential commodities – more and more global industries are turning to the Prime Group of Companies and our distinctive brand of global products and services.
And we stand ready to welcome you aboard!