Welcome to 2026 in Floral!
Yesterday, I saw a press release from Asocolflores and WFFSA talking about the major news coming from Bogota. As of January 1, 2026 the minimum wage in Colombia has risen by 23%.
OUCH!
This is a major problem for growers, importers, wholesalers and everyone else in the floral chain.
This means that the Valentine’s crop, which is still in the ground, will have to deal with the fact that the cost of production will increase by 23%. A 5% increase can be managed, but 23% will challenge the biggest and best.
The tariffs had already forced buyers and sellers to absorb the increases, so there is little fat left on the bone.
Being this close to Valentine’s means that a large percentage of the holiday sales have already been negotiated.
My guess is that everyone in the system will feel the effects of this at some level. Aka, expect higher prices.
Just to add more unsettling news to this headline, our President and Colombia’s President are exchanging insults, which could bring out the tariff hammer again.
This is likely good news to American growers and those importing from other countries.
Keep your eye on the numbers and good luck.
Williee Armellini
Editor: Flowersandcent.com
The original Floral Blog since 2001
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