Azali Roses Reports Positive Start with Bahati Variety
Azali Roses, a high-altitude rose grower in Kenya, is seeing promising early results with the variety Bahati®, developed by Genviv and represented by De Ruiter. Grown at 2,100 meters above sea level, the variety is already proving to be well adapted to the farm’s conditions while showing strong potential for premium markets.
The company currently operates 10.4 hectares and is preparing for a major expansion of an additional 12 hectares by the end of the year. Within its existing setup, Bahati has been planted on 2,200 square meters and is already in production, offering an early glimpse into its performance.
According to General Manager Rathan Kedamadi Puttaiah, the first impressions have been highly encouraging. He explains that the variety has established quickly and shows strong plant vigor, an important factor in high-altitude production systems. Beyond establishment, Bahati is also performing well in terms of growth and consistency, with uniform stems and a reliable crop structure.
Quality has been another standout feature. The variety produces large heads and strong, well-lengthened stems that meet the expectations of high-end markets. Its color also positions it clearly within the premium segment, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for something distinctive yet commercially viable.
Post-harvest performance further strengthens its appeal. Bahati is achieving a vase life of around 14 days, which aligns with export standards for premium roses. This combination of durability and visual quality is critical for international markets, where consistency and longevity are key purchasing factors.
With these results in mind, Azali Roses is already planning to expand its Bahati production by an additional 2,800 square meters. This would bring the total area under the variety to 5,000 square meters, reflecting confidence in both its agronomic performance and market potential.
Interest in Bahati is also building beyond the farm. Rohit Patil of De Ruiter East Africa notes that the variety attracted significant attention at the Flora Expo in Astana. In addition, recent market visits to the Netherlands confirmed strong buyer interest, particularly for a rose with this color, head size, and the ability to be supplied year-round.
Taken together, these early results suggest that Bahati is not only performing well in production but is also well positioned to meet the evolving demands of the global premium rose market.
