Bengaluru, February 17 As the Valentine's season drove peak demand for fresh roses worldwide, Kempegowda International Airport here shipped approximately 60 million rose stems, weighing over 2,700 tonnes, to 26 international destinations, officials said on Tuesday.
The facility, operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited, also transported roses to 47 domestic destinations.
These exports represent a 38 per cent year-on-year increase in stem volume and a 64 per cent increase in tonnage, further solidifying Bengaluru Airport's position as India's leading gateway for perishable exports for five consecutive years, they said.
According to a BIAL statement, international shipments remained steady at 305 MT, with Singapore emerging as the top overseas destination, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, New York, and Kuwait. New international destinations added this season include Los Angeles, London Gatwick, Dallas Fort Worth, Toronto, and Orlando.
"On the domestic front, 2,402 MT of roses were transported, recording a 79 per cent year-on-year increase in tonnage. Delhi and Kolkata continued to be major demand centers, while Guwahati, Mumbai, and Jaipur maintained strong throughput," it stated.
BIAL said that notably, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Lucknow recorded over 150 per cent growth compared to last season.
"This momentum is further supported by the expanded cargo infrastructure of the BLR (Bengaluru) Airport, which ensures freshness, speed, and precise temperature control."
"The state-of-the-art cold chain facilities, equipped with real-time tracking and advanced technology safeguards, proactively manage temperature fluctuations for seamless storage, handling, and transport," it added.