When it comes to fresh fruit and flowers, Miami isn’t just a tourist’s dream—it’s a crucial gateway for products that land on tables and in bouquets across America. If you’ve ever wondered how those vibrant roses get to your Valentine or why that mango in your smoothie tastes just-picked, it’s worth taking a peek behind the scenes at Miami International Airport (MIA) and PortMiami.

Miami: import capital for blooms and produce

Miami International Airport handles over 80% of all the fresh-cut flower imports in the U.S., making it the ultimate hub, especially around big holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. In fact, by February 2025, airport officials saw a record-breaking 90,000 tons of fresh flowers pass through their terminals. The seaport is also seeing more volume every season as imports of fruits like mangos and avocados steadily climb.

Why Miami? Its proximity to Latin American growers is a big reason, but fast technology and improved cold storage make a huge difference. Miami is building the country’s largest airport cold storage complex, where the USDA now uses high-tech pest treatments rather than chemicals—helping flowers and fruits stay fresher, safer, and ready for picky U.S. shoppers .

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Speeding up the supply chain

Time is the enemy for anything that grows. With both airports and seaports working hard to smooth every step—customs, inspections, storage, and trucking—the goal is simple: get products from cargo hold to kitchen table before they lose their shine. New strategies and investments in Miami International Airport and PortMiami mean fewer delays and fresher goods, which makes a big difference for grocers and florists all over the country .

It’s not just about flowers and fruit—it’s jobs, trade, and Miami’s reputation as a global crossroads. And while there’s always room to improve, the push for faster, fresher, and safer is showing real results.

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This article is inspired by a Miami Herald feature explaining how Miami’s airport and seaport are teaming up to deliver fresher produce and flowers across the nation. The original story dives deep into the technologies, collaborations, and trends shaping the process today.