DHL Exporting over 15 Million Stems from Latin America This Season

PLANTATION, Fla. - February 11, 2008 - DHL, the world’s leading global express delivery and logistics company, is exporting an estimated 15 million fresh cut flowers from Latin America this Valentine’s Day season, for delivery to customers in the U.S. 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 U.S., as well as other destinations that celebrate the Feb 14 holiday, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia.

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

“DHL’s global capabilities – from freight forwarding to express delivery – helps the floral industry effectively manage its entire floral cold chain to get flowers to consumers and retailers so they arrive fresh and in pristine condition,” said John Cameron, Executive Vice President of operations for DHL. ”DHL provides the floral industry with the operational flexibility, capacity and special handling required to make this special Valentine’s Day holiday a success.”

DHL customer VistaFlor Corp., a Colombian grower that exports bouquets, wedding flowers and arrangements to the U.S. for special occasions, will see its export volume soar from its normal average 5,000 boxes of flowers per week to as many as 53,000 boxes during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day.  In addition to maintaining VistaFlor’s shipments at the required 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 4 degrees Celsius), DHL handles the shipment documentation, freight brokerage, customs paperwork and clearance processes.

For its U.S. customers, DHL will deliver millions of flowers to retailers and consumers on or before February 14.  DHL in the U.S. has added refrigerated trucks and dedicated flights exclusively for some of the most popular floral retailers and e-tailers.

Valentine’s Day Fresh Flower Facts

• Fresh flower picking season in Latin America is in full bloom from January 24 through February 10.
• Once in the U.S., 63% of the total U.S. floral volume will be delivered on Valentine’s Day, February 14.
• According to Colombia’s Floriculture Report, Colombia is the second largest exporter of flowers in the world – following Holland.  Colombia’s primary export destination is the U.S.
• According to the Society of American Florists, customers purchase more fresh flowers on Valentines Day than any other holiday.

About DHL

At DHL, Customer Service is back in shipping.  Our mission is to provide the most flexible, personable and enjoyable experience in the shipping industry for our customers.

DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source.  DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets.  DHL's international network links more than 225 countries and territories worldwide with over 300,000 employees dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand.  The group generated worldwide revenues of $80 billion in 2006.  For more information on DHL, visit www.dhl.com.

Media Inquiries:

DHL USA
Corporate Communications
Robert Mintz
Tel.: (954) 888.7114
E-Mail: usa.pressoffice@dhl.com