Sector florícola: Contribución al desarrollo socioeconómico del Ecuador, 2015 – 2024

Abstract

The floriculture sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from an elitist and limited-scope activity into a highly technified and strategic global industry, this progress has been driven by advances in plant genetics, process automation, logistics innovation, and digitalization throughout the entire value chain. Globally, countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya lead in flower production and exports, together accounting for approximately 84% of global demand. In Ecuador, floriculture became formally established in the 1980s and has grown to rank as the third-largest flower exporter in the world, with sales exceeding USD 1 billion in 2024, roses and gypsophila are the main species exported, with production fluctuating between 2015 and 2024 due to climatic, economic, and logistical factors. This sector boosts the country's trade balance, generates both direct and indirect employment, promotes gender equity, and stimulates rural economies, however, it still faces structural challenges such as labor precariousness in non-certified companies, reliance on external financing, and vulnerability to shifts in international markets. To analyze its evolution and current situation, a mixed-methods approach was used, combining documentary analysis of academic sources and official statistics with a critical interpretation of data on production, exports, and employment. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Ecuador’s floriculture sector and its positioning within the global market, while identifying key challenges for sustainable development.