Turkish flower exporters expect Valentine’s Day sales above $10 million

Flower exporters in Antalya are stepping up Valentine’s Day shipments, with industry representative Ismail Yilmaz saying exports are expected to exceed $10 million as demand for red flowers rises.

Greenhouses and flower auctions in Antalya, which account for a large share of cut-flower production, have seen increased activity ahead of Valentine’s Day. Carnations collected from greenhouses, with an emphasis on red varieties, are being packaged and prepared.

Antalya, which accounts for a large share of cut-flower production, is entering one of its busiest periods of the year ahead of Valentine’s Day. Trucks carrying flowers for overseas markets have already departed, while preparations for the domestic market continue. Flowers loaded onto trucks for overseas markets have already set off, while preparations for the domestic market continue, according to Anadolu Agency (AA).

Ismail Yilmaz, chairman of the board of the Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters Association, said Valentine’s Day is important for the sector. “Our flower shipments for Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day are continuing. We will have exports exceeding $10 million,” Yilmaz told an Anadolu Agency correspondent.