Traceability, Sustainability, and Human Well-Being in Ecuadorian Floriculture: The Case of Azaya Gardens

Ecuadorian floriculture stands out for developing social projects at different levels — efforts that go far beyond certification requirements. Many of these initiatives have helped flower farm workers transform their lives and seize the opportunities for growth that the floriculture industry has created. Today, the social and economic development generated by this sector is visible throughout the country.

Azaya Gardens is a flower farm located among the mountains of Ecuador’s inter-Andean region. This year, it celebrates 25 years of experience cultivating high-quality roses for some of the world’s most demanding markets, including Russia, the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With farms in Tabacundo and Cayambe, at altitudes between 2,800 and 3,000 meters above sea level, the company combines experience, innovation, and ethical commitment.

In the flower market, understanding the supply chain and ensuring traceability are essential to evaluating quality. A great product is the result of practices that span the entire chain — from production to the final customer.

One of the decisions that distinguishes Azaya Gardens in the market is its policy of selling only the flowers it produces. This principle stems from its vision of comprehensive quality, where controlling every stage of the process — from planting to packing — ensures complete traceability.

“This allows us to respond to our clients with full transparency and guarantee that every flower reflects a standard of excellence and a completely verifiable origin,” the farm explains.

With 18 hectares of cultivated area and around 120 rose varieties — including traditional, garden, spray, and exclusive tinted roses — its team of 182 collaborators drives a production model guided by transparency, sustainability, and respect for people and the environment.

A model that ensures traceability not only strengthens buyers’ trust but also guarantees sustainable resource management, responsible use of inputs, and a fair, regulated, and safe work environment.

Azaya Gardens’ ethical and traceable approach has built strong relationships with international clients.

“Knowing that every flower has a clear origin — and that behind it there is a protected and valued team — creates credibility and open communication,” they emphasize.

For the company, this shared philosophy fosters long-term partnerships with customers who value integrity and product consistency.

Beyond the visible quality of each rose, Azaya Gardens offers ongoing commitment to its clients — listening to their needs, renewing its portfolio every year, and adjusting varieties to meet market trends and demands.

“Their success is also ours,” they affirm, convinced that a sustainable business relationship is built on trust, reliability, and personalized service.

At Azaya Gardens, it is clear that the company’s growth also depends on the well-being of its employees.

The farm provides on-site medical services, subsidized medicines, and preventive health campaigns. It also promotes financial education and offers interest-free emergency loans, helping workers avoid external debt.

Women make up 59% of the workforce. In a sector historically dominated by men, this reflects how local communities around floriculture have grown thanks to the dedication of so many women who have lifted their families through this work.

Training opportunities and internal promotions reinforce a close-knit work culture that recognizes effort and celebrates collective achievements. One example is the annual school program, which rewards employees’ children for their academic, artistic, or athletic performance by giving them a backpack and a school-supply voucher — an incentive that celebrates effort and excellence.

Ecuadorian floriculture is deeply committed to the environment. The farm minimizes agrochemical use, applying them only when strictly necessary and under technical supervision. It employs biological and physical pest control methods such as traps, insect-proof nets, and natural ventilation. Additionally, it uses organic fertilization and composting, reusing plant waste to enrich the soil.

Drip irrigation and rainwater collection reduce water waste, while constant soil and nutrient monitoring ensure the efficient use of resources. These practices — supported by FLOR Ecuador and BASC certifications — reaffirm the farm’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the ethical production of export-quality flowers.

Over its 25 years, Azaya Gardens has shown that excellence is measured not only by the beauty of a flower but also by the respect with which it is grown.

Its business model — based on traceability, sustainability, and human well-being — ensures the quality of its roses while standing as a living example of what truly lies behind Ecuadorian flowers. The social impact and commitment to a more responsible future are real and central pillars of Ecuadorian floriculture.