Kempegowda International Airport ships over 44 mn roses in Valentine’s season

BENGALURU: With Valentine’s Day driving an unprecedented global demand for fresh roses, Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has set a new record, processing 44 million rose stems weighing 1,649 metric tonnes (mt) for 22 international and 38 domestic destinations this season.

This marks a remarkable 50 pc year-on-year surge in stems processing, and an 35 pc YoY increase in tonnage, reaffirming Bengaluru airport’s status as India’s No. 1 airport for perishable exports for the fourth consecutive year.

With global demand at an all-time high, international rose shipments saw a 51 pc increase in tonnage and an 86 pc rise in stem count, with key destinations including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah, Kuwait, Auckland, Amman, Manila, Riyadh, Colombo, and Abu Dhabi. Domestically, 1,344 MT of roses were transported — a 32 pc increase, with major shipments heading to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bagdogra, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Agartala, and Chandigarh, a press release said.

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This year, Bengaluru Airport also expanded its floral footprint, adding new destinations like Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Beirut, Tokyo, Bahrain, and Dammam, the release added.

The journey of a rose doesn’t end at harvest—it must reach its destination in perfect bloom, no matter how far it travels. At BLR Airport, ensuring freshness, speed, and temperature precision is paramount. The state-of-the-art Coolport facility, equipped with real-time tracking and advanced cold chain technology, safeguards every shipment, proactively managing temperature fluctuations for seamless storage, handling, and transport, the statement said.

With faster turnaround times, enhanced security, and minimal wastage, Kempegowda International Airport ensures that every bloom reaches its destination at peak freshness, meeting the soaring Valentine’s Day demand and keeping the spirit of love alive across the globe, the statement added.