In exactly one week, the Oshwal Center in Nairobi will be opening its doors for the International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX). For three days (from June 5-7), nearly 200 growers, breeders and suppliers will present their products and services at this continuously growing exhibition. Since it's inception in 2012, it is said to have become the largest flower exhibition in Kenya and the entire African region. "Every year, we see a tremendous growth as in both the number of exhibitors and visitors is increasing every year", says Bernard Ondanje , Head of Directorate at Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD). Together, with the organizer HPP and Agriculture Food and Authority (AFA), they have partnered for the success over the years.
Kenyan flower growers
"IFTEX provides a wonderful opportunity for Kenyan flower growers and exporters to showcase their various flower varieties and in turn, expose the flowers from Kenya to the rest of the world. In addition, given the proximity from the main flower growing areas such as Naivasha which is one and a half hour drive to Nairobi, the potential buyers from abroad who will be visiting the show will have a perfect opportunity to visit the farms where the flowers are grown."
One-stop shop for stakeholders
Furthermore, according to Ondanje, IFTEX also provides an opportunity for other players in the flower value chain to showcase their products as well. This will include farm input suppliers, providers of various technologies and service providers as well. "In this regard, IFTEX therefore becomes a one-stop shop for all the stakeholders in the flower value chain to network and make business dealings."
"We would like to congratulate HPP for successfully organizing this exhibition for the last eight years. We assure them as a Government, of our continued support since their success is our success. Finally, we wish all the exhibitors a successful exhibition and for the visitors from abroad to enjoy their stay in Kenya."
Never visited the IFTEX and wondering how it is? Check out FloralDaily's photo report of the IFTEX 2018.
For more information:
Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)
horticulture.agricultureauthority.go.ke