Kenya Flower Council standard recognized by Consumer Goods Forum

The Consumer Goods Forum announced on December 15 that the Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standards (F.O.S.S.) from the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has achieved recognition from the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI). This recognition provides consumer goods companies with additional information to support their independent sourcing decisions.

Kenya is one of the world's largest exporters of cut flowers, with the sector valued at USD 835 million last year. Representing around 80% of the country's growers and exporters, the KFC plays a central role in shaping the industry's global reputation.

Through F.O.S.S — an international framework covering social, environmental, and good agricultural practices — KFC helps position Kenya as a source of high-quality, responsibly grown flowers.

With F.O.S.S. now achieving SSCI Recognition, under the Primary Production social compliance scope, buyers within the wider floriculture industry gain additional confidence in a standard that supports transparent, responsible production and strengthens Kenya's leadership in global markets.

Didier Bergeret, Director of Sustainability at the CGF, said, "F.O.S.S.' recognition is a significant milestone for Kenya's floriculture sector. By completing the SSCI Benchmarking Process, KFC strengthens its responsible production practices across one of the world's most important flower-exporting regions, valued at over $800 million. With over 160,000 workers covered by F.O.S.S, this achievement supports businesses seeking trusted information to guide their independent sustainability and due diligence decisions."

Kenya Flower Council CEO Clement Tulezi at the IFTF 2024 in Vijfhuizen, the Netherlands.

Clement Tulezi, CEO of KFC said, "We are honoured and proud that the Kenya Flower Council's Flowers and Ornamental Sustainability Standard (F.O.S.S) has received official recognition from the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to driving responsible social practices and sustainability across Kenya's floriculture sector. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our member farms, who share our vision of fostering ethical, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the highest standards in social compliance, ensuring that Kenya's floriculture industry continues to thrive sustainably and responsibly in global markets."

To date, the SSCI has recognised nine schemes, with a further five currently undergoing the benchmarking process. The SSCI recognises that auditing, monitoring and certification programmes are built upon solid assessment processes and provide information about diverse sustainability best practices while preserving competitive choice.

Source: The Consumer Goods Forum