Proyecto de Exportación de Flores Preservadas a Emiratos Árabes Unidos

Abstract

Flowers export plays a significant role in Ecuador’s balance of trade. By the end of August 2020, Ecuadorian flowers were the second nontraditional, non oil derivative most exported product by the country behind canned fish. Even though Ecuadorian flowers are naturally of great quality due to climatic conditions under which they are harvested, they are still a primary product, with a minimal amount of processes applied, so they do not present a high added value. In addition to that, the aggressive price competitiveness in the international market with strong countries like Colombia does not let flowers producers to charge a higher price for the product. Nevertheless, when a flower is lyophilized, it deteriorates slower, so it can last up to two years. Additionally, the flower withholds the fresh and natural appearance from the same moment it was cut, without needing water or sunlight exposition. That is the reason why they are popularly known as eternal flowers, a perfect gift that lasts a lifetime. It must be considered that because of tools used during the process, lyophilized flowers have a higher production cost in comparison with regular flowers. However, the market price at which they are commonly sold makes the business profitable, and a medium-term investment recovery project. To achieve that, it is necessary to find a market with the acquisitive power to pay their price. That is one of the main reasons to choose United Arab Emirates as a target market. With a GDP Per Capita of USD 43.103,32 at the year 2019 according to World Bank, UAE are considered a wealthy country. Also, Emiratis are people fascinated by the exotic, and they care a lot about indoor and outdoor decoration because of their significant tourist industry, which makes that country an ideal market for the lyophilized flowers business.