Daniel Moge at the IFTEX 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya
Demand China
China is quite a new market for most of the Kenyan gypsophila growers, including Kimman Roses. "Last year, we exhibited at a Chinese flower exhibition and the Kenyan gypsophilas received a lot of interest from the Chinese buyers. After the exhibition, we and many other growers have sent samples and received positive feedback. Currently, several growers are supplying this market directly and some even opened offices in China."
Kimman roses, however supplies the Chinese market through the Dutch auction. "We try to supply 100 percent of our production through the auction. After sending the samples, we have had some inquiries for direct supplies, but we directed them to the auction. And this is where they currently buy our flowers"
Tinted gypsophilas
According to Moge, the Chinese have slightly different taste than they are used to. "They do not take a lot of white, they like the colored gypsophilas. Purple, orange and red for example are quite demanded. As these are not the natural colors of the gypsophila, we tint them and this goes through absorption."
Mother's Day
Mother's Day (May 14) is around the corner and is being celebrated in many countries. For Kimman Roses, it is one of the most important days of the year, together with Valentine's Day. "Most of the time, we sell more on Mother's Day than on Valentine's day. Red roses are the most demanded flowers for Valentine's Day. For Mother's Day people like more color, so often gypsophilas are used in these Mother's Day bouquets."
The farm.
Auction prices
Last year, during this time of the year, the auction prices for the heavy (30-45 grams) and light (below 25 grams) gypsophillas were quite good. Currently, the prices for the heavy ones are about the same as last year, but the prices for the lighter ones are lower. "The current prices are about 40 percent lower compared to last year." About half of the production of Kimman Roses consists of heavy gypsophilas and the other half light gypsophilas. "For the bouquets, people sometimes prefer the lighter ones. Therefore, we offer both.
Moge expects the prices to increase by Friday. "From Friday till Tuesday, we expect the prices to increase. Our first Mother's Day shipments left the farm yesterday, on April 24 and for the coming days, we will ship on a daily basis."
Expansion farm
Moge currently grows gypsophillas on 16 ha in the highlands of Kenya. As he notices an increase in demand over the last years, he decided to expand the farm. Last year, they expanded the farm by adding 4 ha and this year, they are eager to add more. "We are planning to expand the farm by adding another 2.5 to 3 ha by the end of the year. Then, the farm will be around 19 ha."
Kimman Roses will be exhibiting at the International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) 2017 in Naironi, Kenya, that will be held from June 7-9, 2017. Kimman Roses can be visited at booth number D4.02.
For more in
formation Kimman Roses
Daniel Moge
Email: [email protected]
www.kimmanroses.co.ke
