After 25 years of leadership at the helm of Colombia’s flower export sector, Augusto Solano has announced that he will step down from his role at the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters, Asocolflores, an AIPH member organisation.
Solano will remain as President until early April, concluding a tenure that paralleled Colombia’s rise as a leading flower-exporting nation, supplying over 100 international markets. During this time, Asocolflores actively contributed to international dialogue, cooperation, and representation in the global floriculture sector.
During his presidency, Solano led the association through major challenges, including currency appreciation in the early 2000s, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent diplomatic tensions affecting trade with the USA. His leadership was marked by stability, international engagement, and a strong commitment to maintaining global confidence in Colombian floriculture.
A key aspect of Solano’s leadership was his early advocacy for sustainability as a strategic priority. Before sustainability became a global focus, he promoted a production model that integrated environmental responsibility, social standards, and competitiveness. This vision, exemplified by Florverde Sustainable Flowers Certification, helped establish Colombian floriculture as a credible and responsible partner in the global supply chain.
Solano also strengthened cooperation among industry, research, and technical organisations, supporting the creation of Ceniflores, the Colombian Floriculture Innovation Centre. This emphasis on knowledge sharing and innovation reinforced the association’s contribution to long-term sector resilience and international collaboration.
Internationally, Solano earned widespread respect in the global flower trade. His standing has been recognised through numerous global honours and leadership roles. He represented Asocolflores in Union Fleurs–International Flower Trade Association for over two decades, served on its Board of Directors for many years, and was elected President in 2022, becoming the first person from the Americas to hold this position.
Sylvie Mamias, Secretary General of Union Fleurs, said:
“Augusto Solano has represented Asocolflores and the Colombian flower industry within the membership of Union Fleurs for more than 20 years. He served for many years on the Board of Directors and was elected President of the Association in 2022.
“A strong promoter of free trade for the global flower industry, he has been an instrumental and highly active member of our international association, consistently supporting our goals and actively promoting our activities over the years.
“Augusto’s leadership qualities and personal drive to build bridges and foster cooperation across the international floriculture industry are unmatched. He has also embodied and helped stimulate the transformative sustainability journey undertaken by the flower supply chain in Colombia and worldwide.
“A relentless advocate of the unique value of flowers and their positive contribution to society, humanity and well-being, his outstanding contribution to the international flower industry will be dearly missed. He will be remembered for his lasting legacy and as one of the most passionate, respected and well-known ambassadors our industry has ever known.”
Reflecting on Solano’s contribution from an AIPH perspective, Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of AIPH, said:
“Augusto Solano has been a true statesman for our industry. He is as comfortable engaging with country presidents as he is working alongside growers on the ground.
“Through his leadership, he has raised not only the profile and position of the Colombian flower industry but also the standing of the global flower sector and its importance. His determination ensured Colombia was recognised and accepted worldwide as a high-level, sustainable and quality producer of flowers.
“As a global industry, we owe him a debt of gratitude for what he has achieved. While he steps aside at a time when the flower industry continues to face significant challenges, he leaves the association well equipped to meet them, and we will continue to build on the foundations he helped establish through cooperation across the AIPH network.”
As he prepares to step down, Augusto Solano leaves a legacy that highlights the strength of member-led leadership within AIPH and the lasting value of international cooperation in building a resilient, responsible, and globally connected floriculture industry.
Watch Augusto Solano speaking at the 77th AIPH Annual Congress panel discussion in Ghent, Belgium.
