News » 17.09.2025 - Chile welcomes Brazilian and U.S. importers to boost peony exports
Importers from Brazil and the United States traveled to Chile's O'Higgins Region to explore its peony production firsthand. The visit, funded by the Regional Government's Innovation for Competitiveness Fund (FIC) and organized by ProChile's regional office, aimed at opening new markets and strengthening the international presence of local growers.
Alongside field visits, a business roundtable was held with six regional companies: Exportadora Triofrut Ltda., El Rosario SpA, Comercializadora Picaflores SpA, Santa Petra, Las Roldanas, and Agrícola Rayenmapu.
"A before and after" for local growers
"This visit marks a before and after for O'Higgins flower producers. It is the first time importers of this level come to our region, directly invited by the Regional Government through ProChile. It represents a real opportunity for peony growers to become direct exporters to key markets such as Brazil and the United States," said Sofía Silva, regional director of ProChile O'Higgins.
Brazil has just opened its market to Chilean peonies, while the United States, especially Miami, remains a major hub for flower imports and distribution.
Regional Governor Pablo Silva Amaya welcomed the initiative: "Having powers like Brazil and the United States here, countries known for business, is very valuable. For us as a Regional Government, it is essential to showcase our flower producers, who offer products of a high standard. We are grateful to ProChile for this work and happy to support such projects."
The appeal of Chilean peonies
Peonies were chosen as the focus due to their strong export potential. Chile offers key advantages, including counter-season production and pest-free sanitary conditions. Main consumption segments include floristry, decoration, landscaping, and ornamental gardening.
Marco Groot, CEO of Hilverda De Boer USA, commented: "We had a business round with flower producers and made many connections that can help us send flowers to Europe and the U.S. We shared with some of our clients the excellent things we saw here, and they are seriously interested in ordering more Chilean flowers. This interaction would not have happened if we hadn't come."
For Macarena Santa Cruz, co-founder of regional producer ER Peonies, the visit opens new doors: "This allows us to project into the future and consider new destinations that help us prevent possible market collapses or price fluctuations. We are confident we can offer what they need."
Economic impact and outlook
According to ProChile's Market Intelligence Department, Chile exported US$81 million in flowers, plants, and bulbs in 2024. The top markets were the U.S. (US$15 million), Peru (US$14 million), and the Netherlands (US$14 million).
In peonies specifically, Maule led shipments with US$6 million in exports in 2024, followed by Los Lagos (US$3 million), La Araucanía (US$3 million), and O'Higgins (US$2 million).
Silva stressed that the goal is to turn visits like this into tangible business results: "If a company manages to secure deals, it generates jobs, invests in technology, boosts production, and creates a virtuous cycle that benefits the whole region and the country."
ProChile O'Higgins now aims to consolidate peonies as a flagship product while opening opportunities for other flowers with export potential. "The challenge is to keep positioning O'Higgins and Chilean floriculture abroad, building alliances and attracting more importers," Silva concluded.
Source: www.prochile.gob.cl
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