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As 2026 begins, Colombia’s floral industry is adjusting to a major labor policy change that will have ripple effects throughout the global flower supply chain. Because Colombia is a cornerstone supplier for florists worldwide, understanding what’s happening — and why it matters — is essential for planning ahead.
This overview draws on a recent memo by Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores, as well as national and international news coverage.
In late December 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced a 23.7% increase to the national minimum wage, effective January 1, 2026. The decision followed a breakdown in annual wage negotiations between labor unions, the private sector, and the government. When no agreement is reached, Colombian law allows the President to set the wage by decree.
The new minimum wage was set at approximately 1.75 million COP per month, and when the mandatory transportation subsidy is included, total monthly compensation reaches roughly 2 million COP.
According to reporting, this represents the largest minimum wage increase in recent history and far exceeds what would have resulted from the traditional formula based on inflation and labor productivity.
In his memo, Asocolflores President Augusto Solano emphasizes that floriculture is particularly exposed to labor policy changes because labor accounts for 50–60% of total production costs for flower growers.
This means that even modest labor adjustments can significantly affect:
harvesting and post-harvest processes
grading and packing operations
peak-season staffing needs
overall farm operating costs
A sudden, double-digit wage increase creates immediate pressure — especially for an export-driven industry already navigating currency fluctuations and global market competition.
Economists and business leaders across Colombia have raised concerns that a wage increase of this size could contribute to:
higher inflation
increased operating costs across industries
pressure on interest rates
shifts in employment structures, particularly for labor-intensive sectors
These broader economic dynamics are significant for floriculture because they impact everything from production inputs to transportation and financing costs.
While these changes are happening at the production level, florists may feel their impact throughout the year in several ways. One of the most immediate effects may be more variable flower pricing, as growers and exporters adjust pricing more frequently to account for higher labor costs. As a result, quotes may come with shorter validity windows than florists have seen in past seasons.
Florists may also notice increased cost pressure on labor-intensive varieties. Flowers that require more hands-on labor to grow, harvest, or process can be especially sensitive to wage changes, which may influence pricing or availability over time.
In addition, some farms may make strategic supply and variety decisions, shifting production toward programs or varieties that better support higher cost structures. These adjustments could influence product mix and availability as the market responds to the new labor landscape.
While this change is significant, there are practical ways florists can plan ahead:
Review your pricing models, especially for weddings and events booked far in advance
Build flexibility into designs so substitutions can be made without compromising the overall look
Stay in close communication with wholesalers and suppliers about pricing updates and availability
Ensure recipes and proposals reflect current replacement costs, not historical averages
Proactive planning can help protect margins while maintaining transparency with customers.
As Augusto Solano notes, the Colombian floriculture industry has faced many challenges over the years — and resilience has always been a defining strength. Despite rising costs and economic uncertainty, growers remain committed to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility.
This wage increase marks another key milestone for 2026, but one that the industry is well-prepared to navigate through collaboration, efficiency, and long-term partnerships.
As pricing and supply conditions evolve throughout the year, staying informed — and adaptable — will be key. Understanding the forces that shape flower production helps florists make more informed purchasing, pricing, and design decisions, while setting clear expectations along the way. With thoughtful planning and open communication across the supply chain, florists can navigate these changes with confidence as the market continues to adjust.
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