For centuries, people have been gifting flowers as a token of their affection on Valentine’s Day – in the UK, for example, almost half of the population spend money on their loved one for the special day. So, as we stock up on bouquets, we ask the question that those buying or receiving flowers have probably never asked: how did my flowers get here?
In all likelihood, your favourite blooms were transported by air cargo. Using cargo capacity on passenger flights of the IAG Group network, our Constant Fresh product uses cooling technology to maintain the quality of even the most delicate flower shipments, and offers additional tracking of temperature, humidity and moisture levels at every step of the journey to make sure they arrive in pristine condition. After all, it takes 10-15 years to develop the perfect rose, with good quality water being the main ingredient.
While roses are one of the more popular choices for Valentine’s Day, less traditional flower varieties like orchids and jasmine flowers are competing in popularity. Jasmine is native to India, where the flower is affectionately referred to as the “perfume of love” and is also regarded as one of the holy flowers of Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love. Spotted in the Duchess of Sussex’s own wedding bouquet, jasmine’s exotic fragrance, elegant stature and deep cultural meaning has earnt it the coveted position of “flower of choice” for bridal boutiques across the globe.
Find out more about IAG Cargo’s Constant Fresh service here.