CargoLand by LGG, Belgium’s premier cargo hub, successfully managed 13,850 tonnes of flowers during the four-week Valentine’s Day peak, supported by 45 additional charter flights alongside regular scheduled operations. Leveraging its 24/7 operations, dedicated cold-chain infrastructure, and close collaboration with industry stakeholders, the hub ensured uninterrupted, time-critical flows of perishable goods into Europe.
Valentine’s Day represents one of the most challenging periods for the global flower industry, with hundreds of tonnes of blooms arriving within days. At this scale, speed, precision, and temperature control are critical. CargoLand by LGG, operating on a cargo-first, round-the-clock model, has cemented its reputation as a leading European gateway for perishables, with flowers accounting for nearly 20% of its annual cargo throughput. This year’s campaign, featuring 13,850 tonnes handled and 45 supplemental charter flights, demonstrates the hub’s ability to scale rapidly under peak demand conditions.
Preparation for the Valentine’s rush begins months in advance, driven by a community-focused approach. CargoLand by LGG coordinates with all stakeholders in the flower supply chain—including ground handlers, freight forwarders, trucking companies, airlines, and public authorities—to anticipate volumes, allocate staffing, and accommodate regulatory updates such as revised phytosanitary procedures mandated by the AFSCA-FAVV (Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain). Through proactive communication and contingency planning, the hub ensures sufficient human and technical resources are in place to handle peak surges without disruption.
During the Valentine’s period, the majority of flowers processed at CargoLand by LGG originate from Kenya, Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, and key Latin American gateways such as Quito and Bogota. Dense airline connectivity and close coordination with GSAs, brokers, and forwarders support the rapid movement of these high-value perishables. Fast airside-to-warehouse transfers, alongside ULD-compatible cold rooms maintained at 2–8°C and on-demand contingency capacity, protect product integrity, critical given that individual shipments can represent values of up to USD 1 million.
Operational excellence is driven by precise timing and seamless communication. Real-time visibility through digital tools, continuous coordination between handlers and truckers, and priority processing allow the hub to manage hundreds of tonnes daily while minimizing dwell times. This year’s Valentine’s campaign once again highlights CargoLand by LGG’s ability to deliver consistent performance during peak periods.
“Flowers are far more than a commodity; they carry value, emotion, and trust,” said Frédéric Brun, Head of Commercial Cargo & Logistics at CargoLand by LGG. “Every shipment demands absolute care. We extend our thanks to AFSCA-FAVV and customs authorities for their 24/7 support during this peak. Through anticipation, collaboration, and robust cold-chain and digital processes, we guarantee speed, reliability, and peace of mind for growers, exporters, and buyers worldwide—on Valentine’s Day and beyond.”
