On Monday, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru reported a nearly twofold surge in cargo shipments of roses leading up to Valentine’s Day this year. The airport facilitated the transportation of around 5.15 lakh kg of roses to 25 destinations, both international and domestic, in 2022, compared to 2.7 lakh kg in 2021.
This year, there has been a significant increase in the demand for roses in the domestic market during the Valentine’s season. The airport’s statement noted, “Domestic shipments have witnessed a significant improvement, having increased to 3.15 lakh kg (6.5 million stems) compared to 1.03 lakh kg in 2021, recording over 200 per cent growth. Around 2 lakh kg (7.3 million stems) were exported to international destinations this year compared to last year’s 1.7 lakh kg.”
Bengaluru holds the title of being the largest exporter of roses in India. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy & Development Officer at the airport, expressed pride in the airport’s role as a facilitator for the local community, growers, and shippers, ensuring the shipment of produce while maintaining freshness. Raghunath highlighted the airport’s cargo infrastructure, powered by technology, which enables swift distribution of perishable cargo, making it the preferred cargo airport in South India. He affirmed the commitment to collaborating with cargo partners to introduce initiatives and facilities meeting evolving demand.
The top domestic destinations for rose shipments include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Chandigarh. Among the top international destinations are Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Amsterdam, Kuwait, Auckland, Beirut, Manila, Muscat, and Dubai.
Bengaluru airport, accounting for 31 per cent of India’s total perishable shipments, holds the top position for flower exports in the country, as per data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for the fiscal year 2020-21.
