Entering new markets and broadening the assortment of flowers. According to Kenyan Flower Council's CEO Jane Ngige, these are two of the major challenges for Kenyan growers.
Jane Ngige at the opening ceremony (June 7, 2017)
Kenya is known for its roses, however, at the opening ceremony of the IFTEX Ngige explained that 'only' 60 percent of the acreage in Kenya is used for rose cultivation, so putting the other varieties on the map is still a challenge. The other challenge, she mentions, is expanding the export markets. Kenyan growers already have quite a broad range of countries they export to, but there is potential to increase their markets and especially in countries like China and the USA. And the direct flights between this latter country and Kenya will make the USA an even more attractive country for Kenyan growers to export to.
Dick van Raamsdonk (CEO HPP Exhibitions) and Richard Fox (Kenya Flower Council Chair), who cut the ribbon.
Ngige points out the importance of a trade show like IFTEX for growers that are eager to take up these challenges. For the sixth time, this show is offering a stage to the growers to present their products to international buyers. Every year, the show is increasing in size and the number of exhibitors, and in particular the amount of growers is rising. This year, for example over 60 percent of the exhibitors are growers. This, in turn, attracts more worldwide buyers. Also this year, to give an indication, the pre-registrations increased by 25 percent compared to last year. However, according to van Raamsdonk, this is not a fixed figure yet. "They still need to show up", he said at the opening ceremony.
FloralDaily
The FloralDaily team is present at the show to make a photo report. Below, an impression of the show with yesterday's award winners. At the opening ceremony, awards for best stand presentation were handed out to companies in the non-perishable and perishable category. After the show, a Dutch Embassy reception was organized, where FloraHolland handed out some awards too.
Best stand presentation awards
In the non-perishables category, the prizes for best stands were:
Elgon Kenya - Platinum
The team of Elgon Kenya.
Panalpina - Gold
Art Wright of Panalpina.
Agrichem - Silver
Shirish Ingale of Agrichem receiving the award from Richard Fox.
Amiran - Bronze
The team of Amiran.
In the perishables category, the winners for best stand presentation are:
Black Tulip - Platinum
Mohan Choudhery and Nirzar of Black Tulip Group.
Omang and Amor - Gold
Pini Cohen of Decofresh and Ketan Jerath of Omang and Amor.
Subati Group - Silver
Naren Patel and Ravi Patel of Subati Flowers.
Isinya Roses - Porini Flowers- Bronze
The Team of Isinya Roses.
FloraHolland Awards
At the Dutch Embassy reception, Matthea van der Molen of FloraHolland presented Ol Njorowa with the Best Grower Award, Mzurrie with the Achievement award and Dick van Raamsdonk with the Outstanding Cooperation Award.
Ol Njorowa - Best Grower Award 2017
FloraHolland: "This award is given to the farm with regular and reliable supply to the clock - 100 % clock and consistent report of 4-5 days. Besides that, they praise the company for their good and constant quality, innovating assortment, turnover growth and for participating in digital platforms like Floramondo.
Mzurrie Group - Achievement Award 2017
On the following criteria, Mzurrie Group won the award: Loyalty to Royal FloraHolland, Ambassador, Commitment: Reliable, Good for community, social responsibility, sustainability and innovation (such as energy, efficiency, logistics, marketing and so on).
Outstanding Cooperation Award 2017
FloraHolland: "This award recognizes Dick van Raamsdonk for his cooperation in connecting buyers and growers in Kenya through IFTEX for the last six years. This exhibition has increased business opportunities for Kenya and her surrounding neighbours including Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda."