Roses , alstromeria , genus Hypericum , kangaroo paws , and many other summertime flowers - Kenya has a great variety of flowers to tender . Although the country has long been a manufacturer of cut flowers , it is generally only the big farm that have made a name for themselves . The Import Promotion Desk ( IPD ) is figure out to switch that and networking European buyers with newfangled - generation farm . These little and medium - sized endeavour ( SMEs ) are managed by well - trained Kenyan farming engineers and operate on Kenyan capital . Many of the employee have years of experience in flower finish and bring expertise often gained from large external farms . Over the course of action of a buying delegation from 6 - 10 June , the IPD , together with its Kenyan cooperator , Kenya Flower Council , have European buyers to bring down nine new generation farms .
There was a lot of skepticism among the buyers . They were ab initio doubtful whether the Kenyan SMEs would be able to meet their essential in terms of character , working weather condition , and sustainability . They were then consequently surprised by the producers . " They were n’t expecting the professionalism display by the SMEs , and their expectation were vastly exceeded , " says Dr. Andreas Gemählich , Sourcing + Markets expert for mown flowers at the IPD . " They got to know Kenya as a sourcing commonwealth for cut flowers in a new way . "
During the visit to IFTEX , Kenya ’s cut flower trade fair , at the starting time of the trip , the buyers experience Kenya as a flower country with all its facets . " Anyone who require to work with Kenya can see the diverseness of Kenyan blossom output at first glimpse here , " enunciate Carsten Braukmann , Managing Director of " Florin Blumengroßhandel . " " In discussion with the producers , their professionalism shone through . These are specialists who go for flower and deliver high quality . "
The range of farm in the IPD programme is equally diverse . The company " Kikwetu Flowers " is situated in the Timau region and is an expert on rose culture . On its nine hectares of land at an altitude of 2450 m , the farm grows eight dissimilar motley of rose . These admit the classic Athena and Ever Red , which are also a good alternative to Red Naomi from the Netherlands . The buyers were particularly impress by the variety Mandala .
Great diverseness of summertime flowersThe farm " Mount Kenya Sprouts " show its great mixture of summer flowers , including Limonium , Bupleurum , Lepidium , Talinum , and Eryngium . The limonium and genus Eryngium varieties drew special interest . " Mount Kenya Sprouts " offer limonium in nine people of colour , while eryngium thistles are grow in white and over-embellished . " The turn of the farm was very interesting . It demo the accent placed on caliber management , " says Alexander Manweiler , purchaser at " Blumen Willeke . " " you could see clearly the result : the summertime efflorescence , their quality and their colouration of the blooms , these fulfill the demand standard of European customers in all respects . "
" Florencia Blooms " also speciate in growing summertime flowers - especially Anigozanthos ( kangaroo paws ) . They are offered in three colors - red , orangish , and gold pyrexia . The buyers were very impressed by these shin coloring material and the friendly and competent team during their visit . " The timber and kind of the summertime peak was very impressive , " aver Ralf Broehl , Floral Purchasing Manager for the on-line retail merchant " Valentins . " " This is a kitchen range that we need all year round for our bouquets . "
Two Hypericum - farm were also on the schedule of the IPD buyers ' misstep . The farm " Benev Flora , " situated near Lake Naivasha , and " Fina Flora , " located in the westerly highlands of Kenya ’s Great Rift Valley , specializing in the cultivation of Hypericum with bright colorful berries .
Dr. Karlheinz Kroell , Managing Director of " Blütenpracht Frischblumen GmbH " : " The Cartesian product and the quality – telling . In conversation , it was abundantly exculpated that everyone – from the managing director to the workers – live for flower cultivation and are very devoted to their land . They have a lot of experience , noesis of agrarian political economy , and expertness in the cultivation of cut heyday as well as a particular human relationship to their product . "
In amount , the emptor visited nine farms in Kenya . The emphasis was on summertime bloom , but the other flower variety were also convincing . " The trip open up a set of doors , " summarises Ralf Broehl , Purchasing Manager at " Valentins . " " We will decidedly persist in the discussion we have bulge out . I can well imagine that we will establish long - terminal figure line of work relationships with one or several producer of summer bloom , alstroemeria , and rose wine . " Denis Probst from " Blumen Willeke " added : " It was a very acute trip with a full schedule , fantastic impression , and first-class conversation . The range of farm in the IPD curriculum impress me . I did n’t expect this quality of product or the professionalism of the firms . The firms ' dedication to their communities was especially singular . Kenya is sure enough an exciting sourcing nation for us . "
For more information : Import Promotion DeskAndreas GemaehlichIPD Expert Sourcing + Markets[email protected]www.importpromotiondesk.de
