The quality of the product you sell can only be as good as the care it has received every step of the distribution process. We do quality control both at farm level and in Miami upon arrival. Our U.S. distribution headquarters in Miami, Florida is a state-of-the-art climate controlled facility encompassing over 50,000 square feet of office and warehouse space. Upon arrival at the Miami airport, product is transported via refrigerated trucks to the Esmeralda warehouse where there is a 13 truck bay protected from the weather's conditions by canopies. Each truck forms a seal with the dock so there is never a temperature loss during the transition. Product is then received in our docking area where it is processed by a highly accurate barcoding system.
After incoming product has been scanned, it is moved to our 7,500 sq ft pre-cooler where we can accommodate 1,600 full box equivalents. We use a dual sided system which works the opposite of other systems with which you may be familiar. The principal behind our system is static pressure, rather than the movement of ambient air within the room. Our system uses three 40 horsepower motors above the pre-cooler. Within each unit there is an area where ice forms. Water then drips across the ice allowing the ice to begin to melt. Through the process of static pressure, we begin to blow moist air through the boxes over an hour and a half period, displacing warm air that is sitting in the box. This process puts air cooled to about 33 degrees back in the box. Why? Moist air prevents dehydration and cool air prolongs the life cycle. Once cooled, boxes are then moved to the master cooler.
Esmeralda's master cooler is comprised of 15,500 sq ft. We use a triple rack system which can accommodate the full box equivalent of 19,000 boxes. We maintain a temperature of 33 degrees and a relative humidity of 85 degrees.
Here at Esmeralda, we take great pride in the organization and cleanliness of our warehouse facility. We have taken extra steps to ensure the optimum housing facility for your product. Many have commented on the floors in our warehouse. However, the floor shine is not from wax or a sealer. The floors were made from a dust free concrete/trap rock mix. We have also taken an extra step with our cooler panels. They are 6 inches thick polystyrene. We choose polystyrene because it offers better insulation over time.
In order to offer the best possible environment for your product, Esmeralda's warehouse has been specifically designed for the storage of cut flowers. We receive an average of 15 shipments a day, are open 20 hours daily and employ an average of 75 workers. We guarantee that your product receives the best care possible and is in the hands of highly qualified professionals. |