"We are now 'pumped up' and revitalised, we now need to actualize our dreams into reality", says Mr. Tapiwa J. Mugabe of Total Farm Solutions. This Zimbabwean horticultural one stop shop was one of the exhibitors at the HortiFlor and very pleased with the show, and also the timing of the show. "In the spirit of reviving the horticultural industry, definitely Hortiflor 2018 came at the right time when Zimbabweans are looking at reviving the horticultural industry with export potential in mind."
The HortiFlor Zimbabwe was held from October 9-11 in the Harare International Conference Center, where over 50 Zimbabwean and international companies showcased their products and services. It is a new international trade fair for the fresh flowers, vegetables and fruit industry.
Curious about the show? Click here for the photos from last week, made by Jasper van Dijk of HPP Exhibitions, the organization behind the show.
Mutually beneficial show
According to Mugabe, it was a mutually beneficial show, both for exhibitors and attendants. "I had never imagined how many rose varieties there were in the world or ever thought of how many flower species are marketed commercially. Interestingly all these varieties have potential for production in Zimbabwe."
"A highly organised business event it was, for people with hunger to grow. The nature of the engagements was high quality. I would like to believe that no one who attended this event left the place empty handed. Visitors who came through the Total Farm Solutions stand confessed how impressed and enlightened they were, by what they saw across the floor."
Reviving horticultural industry
Another highlight of the event, Mugabe points out, was the breakfast summit organized by Regent Farms, supported by 160 Hydro Farms. "This was a special breakfast meeting with discussions from key sectors such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, EFGAZ Chairman, Fair-Mark and Total Farm Solutions. The discussion on the breakfast meeting focused on reviving the horticultural industry and exploring international markets."
Potential of the country
"The HortiFlor Event spoke greatly of the potential this country has in the horticultural industry. The mere fact that numerous international companies were able to fly in and showcase their products to Zimbabwe is a sure sign that we are worth the attention", says Mugabe. He was also impressed by the engagement of local companies in the value chain of the Zimbabwean horticultural sector. "We are a 'sleeping giant' that needs each one of us to play his part in reviving the horticultural sector and then we can regain the famous status, 'Breadbasket' of Southern Africa. We are now 'pumped up’ and revitalized, we now need to actualize our dreams into reality."
For more information
HPP Exhibitions
www.hortiflorzimbabwe.com
Total Farm Solutions
http://www.tfs.co.zw/