IAG Cargo transported 438 tonnes of flowers across its network – or approximately 18 million stems – in time for Valentine’s Day.

Over the past few weeks IAG Cargo said it had been running flights across its network, including four flights a week from Nairobi, Kenya into London Heathrow and flights from Nairobi into the US, to ensure availability of flowers. Popular blooms included fresh cuts of roses, chrysanthemums and carnations.

The company noted that Valentine’s Day flowers rely on a complex supply chain. The process sees flowers hit shelves within 72 hours of being cut, with temperatures between 0-2°C maintained from the farm to shop. IAG Cargo said its ‘Constant Fresh’ offering enabled the required cold chain management.

“Flowers are the quintessential gift on Valentine’s Day and we’re pleased to see that despite the ongoing difficulties caused by Covid-19, there are many people in the world who are romantics at heart, even during a pandemic,” said IAG Cargo’s regional commercial manager for Europe & Africa Freddie Overton.

“We have some of the best floral facilities in the world to help get Valentine’s flowers to market, looking as fresh as the day they were cut, for consumers to enjoy during a unique Valentine’s Day this year.”