Nowhere in the world are more roses grown than in Kenya. Unlike Colombia, which is still a solid second, the acreage is still growing as well. Not quite as fast this year though, Haiko Backer of Schreurs tells us, in light of the upcoming elections causing civil unrest. But once that's over with, the will and means to invest are somehow rekindled, and the way up is found again. It always happens like that, he says, and with 11 years under his belt he knows what he's talking about. There's still room for expansion, and the factors making Kenya such a suitable flower production country are still the same: the equator, the sun, and the altitude. Lake Naivasha, the main source of water, isn't going anywhere fast either, and the political and economical situation are mostly stable. And they know what they're doing here: compared to Colombia, here they produce significantly more stems per meter.
Haiko Backer and colleague Etna.
After a whole series of 'Date' varieties (Date!, Double Date!, Update!, etc.), a grower had the brilliant idea to name one 'Marry Haiko!'
Next to the farm there's an enormous basin: with a depth of 14 meters, all the water from surrounding farms will be gathered here. It has just been completed.
With a market share of 90%, Interplant is king of the spray rose. The demo greenhouse mostly has spray roses on display, something the gentlemen on the photo - from left to right GM Gavin Mouritzen, CEO Robert Ilsink and grower George Hopf - talk about with the necessary pride.
NIRP is one of the few large, non-Dutch (or German) breeders. The French-Italian family company's management includes Alessandro Ghiome, having made a name for himself as a specialist in fragrant garden roses.
At Dümmen Orange, things are moving fast, which shouldn't come as a surprise. The former Olij Roses location is now the headquarters: they're busy renovating and upgrading. They're expanding with 1.5 hectares, while producing a hefty amount of rootstocks and starting material. A second location nearby will close soon, and the activities will be moved to this location. Pictured is commercial director Ringo Veenman.
Royal De Ruiter has been in Kenya for 20 years. They might just be the biggest in the country: many growers around Lake Naivasha have De Ruiter varieties in their range. The location is also quite something: wedged between the lake on one side, and a nature reserve on the other. The wildlife corridor here means you'll frequently encounter zebras, antelopes, monkeys, hogs, and sometimes even giraffes. Pictured are Robin Letcher and Edward Agg Mannin.