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Looking back at April 16-30

Will ocean freight substitute air cargo in Ethiopia?

What happened during the second half of April? There was some big news to share: Selecta one acquired Wagagai. We also discussed logistics: will ocean freight substitute air cargo in Ethiopia? And the World Garden Show happened in China, highlighting the latest flower varieties in China. Let's have a read!

© Selecta One

Uganda: Selecta One acquires Wagagai Ltd.

Selecta One has acquired Wagagai Ltd., one of the world's largest cutting farms, located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. With this step, Selecta One expands its international production network, secures long-term production capacity in East Africa, and reinforces its commitment to sustainable and socially responsible business practices.

© Mekonnen Solomon W.

Will ocean freight substitute air cargo in Ethiopia?

At this moment, a shipment of 188,000 Ethiopian flowers is sailing toward Valencia, Spain. In recent years, sea transport has been increasingly explored as a viable option for shipping flowers - and Ethiopia is no exception. While it's known that sea freight is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than air transport, new insights are emerging about its additional benefits. Notably, sea freight may also play a role in managing pests such as the False Codling Moth (FCM), a species native to sub-Saharan Africa that has triggered stricter inspections of flower shipments-particularly roses-by the European Union. Following a successful trial shipment in December 2023, a second consignment of 188,000 rose stems departed from Djibouti—Ethiopia's maritime gateway—in mid-April and is expected to arrive in Spain on May 16, although there is hope for arrival by Mother's Day eve, May 10. In this article, Mekonnen Solomon W., working at Ethiopia Ministry of Agriculture, explains the growing potential of sea transport for Ethiopia's flower export industry.

© Hongyue Horticultural Corp.

China: "Garden economy can stimulate horticultural diversity"

The World Garden Show launched its 2025 edition on April 27th in Haining, Zhejiang Province, China. Since its inception in 2018, the event has grown significantly, attracting participants from over 20 countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Germany. The show aims to spotlight the latest flower varieties in China, share insights on market trends, and foster exploration of new business opportunities.

© BDO

NL: "Alongside the rise of private equity, more and more family businesses are also joining forces"

The Dutch ornamental horticulture and food horticulture are expected to exceed the revenue level of 2023 in 2024. Although the official figures for Q4 are still missing, an estimate in a new report by BDO shows that the annual total will surpass that of last year. The report, which will be published later this month, provides an overview of market developments, trends, challenges, and merger and acquisition activity. Our organization already got an exclusive preview. Kevin van Herk and Martijn Ceelaert, working in the M&A department of BDO and active in the Food & Flowers sector, provide commentary.

© Suntory Flowers Europe

Suntory Flowers Europe appoints new leadership

Following the establishment of its European division earlier this year, Suntory Flowers Europe has appointed its new executive leadership team. As of April 2025, Ties Klapwijk has taken on the role of President-Managing Director, while Munenori Inagaki has been appointed Vice President of the European division. This new leadership structure marks an important step in strengthening Suntory Flowers' long-term commitment to its partners, customers, and the future of floriculture in Europe.

© Target Corporation

US: Target launches new floral brand

Target Corporation announced that it is expanding its floral offerings with today's launch of Good Little Garden, the retailer's first standalone floral owned brand. Whether shopping for special occasions like Mother's Day or to simply brighten their own day, consumers now have more fresh flowers and potted plants to choose from on their Target run all year, starting at just $6.

© Éléphant Vert

"False Codling Moth in Africa: A major threat to rose exports and how we can fight it"

The False Codling Moth (FCM), or Thaumatotibia leucotreta is a highly destructive pest native to sub-Saharan Africa. It affects a wide range of crops including citrus, mangoes, avocados, capsicum, and roses. With its high reproductive capacity and adaptability to warm climates, FCM has become a serious concern for farmers and exporters across the continent. But how is it spreading, what are the EU regulations, and what are the solutions? In this article, Benjamin Gass, Business Development and Marketing Manager at Éléphant Vert, a company headquartered in France and specializing in biostimulants and biocontrol products, shares his insights.

© Asocolflores

Colombia's flower exports reach USD 2.35b in 2024 marking 13% growth in value, 8% in volume

At the 2025 General Assembly of Asocolflores, Colombian flower growers came together to reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, elect the new Board of Directors, and strengthen industry ties through dialogue and networking.

© Fairtrade International

"Fairtrade flowers are fair for everyone"

As Mother's Day approaches, flower shops and retailers around the world prepare for one of the busiest times of the year. But behind every vibrant bouquet lies a deeper story, one that celebrates fair wages, safe working conditions, and care for the environment. Fairtrade International is helping ensure that the beauty of flowers extends to the lives of the people who grow them. FloralDaily sat down with Gonzaga Mungai, Flower Manager, South, at Fairtrade International, to explore the roots of the Fairtrade movement, how Fairtrade certification is creating positive change in the flower industry, and why Fairtrade flowers are a gift that gives twice.

© Verdnatura

"It would have been much worse if it had happened at the end of this week"

A major power outage hit Spain and Portugal on Monday afternoon, abruptly shutting down daily activities and creating widespread disruptions in logistics, communications, and operations. The impact on the flower businesses? Verdnatura, the largest flower wholesaler in both countries, reports that it has managed to maintain operations with minimal disruption, thanks to its generators and solar panels. However, smaller wholesalers and unprepared businesses suffered more serious disruptions. "And with Mother's Day ahead, it's not the best timing, but it would have been much worse if it had happened at the end of this week," says Paco Rico Martínez, Communication and Marketing Manager at Verdnatura.