Flower Market A big export for Ecuador

    You can buy flowers all over Cuenca, but one of the best places to buy is at a small flower market in front of the Sanctuario Mariano, across from the New Cathedral, down the street from Parque Calderone. Daily, under white canvas tents, ladies and men do flower arrangements, sell flowers, meet the public. Cut flowers are one of Ecuador’s big exports, number 3. Roses are the most popular for export to the U.S. and the industry employs 103,000 people and generates 800 to 900 million dollars annually to the Ecuador economy. Despite stiff foreign competition and changing likes of customers, the industry has improved its working conditions. Ecuador roses are world class quality and benefit from a longer growing season with no winter and lots of natural light. Cool Andean nights give the roses time to add coloration. Facts are facts, but roses are a way to a woman’s heart. Men, with a briefcase in one hand and a bouquet of roses in the other, leave the market today with quiet hopeful smiles.