Floritec kicks off construction of new breeding centre in Colombia

Dutch-based Floritec, a breeder of Chrysanthemum, potted Celosia and Aster, has kicked off construction of a new breeding facility in Colombia.

Floritec has grown rapidly since its inception in 2007. Last year, the company opened a new breeding facility in Honselersdijk. Their cut Chrysanthemum varieties, pot Chrysanthemums, pot Asters, and pot Celosias are all under one roof, where ‘Customised Breeding’ of chrysanthemum occurs in close cooperation with growers.

The news of the moment is Floritec’s business expansion in Colombia, an ideal growing area for chrysanthemums. Managing director Jeroen Ravensbergen notes, “Floritec is growing at breakneck speed in Colombia. We aim for further growth and professionalisation. This strategy requires a purpose-built breeding centre.”

Floritec has been active in the Colombian market since 2009 and has used Capiro’s facilities to conduct its breeding activities. This has led to a solid partnership. Therefore, the new site is being developed in close consultation with Capiro, combining expertise and resources to create a leading breeding site.

Floritec operates globally and has been working closely with its Japanese parent company, Inochio Seikoen, the market leader in disbudded chrysanthemums, among other things, since 2019. Partly due to this cooperation, both companies are strengthening their market position, and Floritec is making great strides in its development.

Ravensbergen: “Floritec’s mission is to develop relevant and leading varieties in close cooperation with customers. Through on-site development, we are able to develop varieties with reduced susceptibility to diseases and pests and that are perfectly suited to local growing and climate conditions: Customised Breeding. The facilities in Colombia will be the basis for chrysanthemums developed for the South American market.”

The new location is in in Rionegro, Antioquia and spans 6,000 m². Construction has begun with the facilities expected to be operational by the end of 2024.