As of this year, the Dutch company Klaver Flowers has started supplying limonium to Ethiopia. After appropriate testing, the grower has now put three types on the market (Oshi Pink, Dark Blue, and Safora Lilac) and intends to expand in the near future. "From January on, we'll have multiple varieties available from the Diamond series," says the company's sales manager Joeri van Klink. "Our goal is to participate in the higher market segment."
The main staff at the nursery in Ethiopia next to Gypsophila. A photo with the Limonium is undoubtedly on its way.
In the search for more diversity, limonium is a logical choice. "It fits well next to the cultivation and processing of Gypsophila. Crop rotation is good for the soil, and limonium is well suited for this," shares Joeri.
Various types have been tested, and now, at the company in Hawassa, about 275 km south of the capital city Addis Abeba, around 10 hectares of limonium are being grown. "We hold daily auctions, and that has also been one of our main goals early on. Guarantee a stable supply of good quality and bright colors."
"There's enough space to do so," Joeri continues as he mentions that this market has always been somewhat unstable. "One moment, there's too much product, and then all of a sudden, there's too little. This creates fluctuations in price and makes for a certain instability. We hope to expand our varieties and acreage in the upcoming years so we can provide larger quantities."
For generations, Klaver Flowers has been known for their lilies. In 2007 the company started its branch in Ethiopia, but the lilly turned out to be far from ideal, especially in terms of transport. After a switch to Gypsophila, production grew to about 40 hectares. The stems, together with the limonium, are flown to The Netherlands and processed by Alkemade International.
For more information:
Joeri van Klink
Klaver Flowers
joeri@klaverflowers.com
www.klaverflowers.com