Colorful IFTEX 2018

The recently held7th edition of International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) was filed with pomp and color. The event brought together over 270 exhibitors,over 6000 visitors and for the first time, buyers from US attended.

Speaking during the fair, Kenya Flower Council Chairman, Mr. Richard Fox said that the expected launch of direct flights from Nairobi to the US has brought good news to the sector as 10 flower buyers from America attended the expo.

Forming part of the expo was Fresh Produce Africa(FPA), where growers of fruits, vegetables, herbs and species exhibited. Themost conspicuous fruit on display was avocado though passion fruits and mangoes were on exhibited.

Visa Oshwal Center where the fair takes place was eventful and cozy. From parking to the stalls, high level visitors strolled in as others were engaged in business discussions in stalls. The quality and diversity of flowers displayed were excellent, stylish and of amazing designs while the creativity of stand building were out of this world.

During the show, De Ruiter East Africa unveiled their new concept dubbed ‘Big Five Colours’; Reds, Yellows, Oranges, Whites & Pinks.Winners of the Competition in the Best Stand Design, in the category Perishables, were: Bronze for Oserian, Silver for Subati, Gold for Omang& Amor/Decofresh and Platinum for Fontana/Black Tulip. In the category Non Perishables, the Best Stand Design award: Bronze was a tie between Afrex and Cargolite, Silver for Panalpina, Gold for Elgon Kenya Ltd and Platinum for Royal Flora Holland.

Winners of the Best Grower Quality Competition in the category Other Cut Flowers were: Bronze for gypshophilaCosmic of Tropiflora (Fontana), Silver for hydrangea Magical Trophy of Flora Delight Ltd, Gold for alstroemeriaWhite Pears of Batian Flowers and Platinum for chrysanthemum Anastasia Green of Utee Estate Ltd (Black Tulip). In the category Roses, winners were: Bronze for the standard rose Beyond Zero of Fontana, Silver for the garden rose Charming Lady of Oserian, Gold for the standard rose Crimson Sky of Fontana and Platinum for the standard rose Tiara of Uhuru Flowers.

The three-day event was official opened by Kenya Principal Secretary of International Trade, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, who praised all players in the flower industry for their contribution to Kenya’s export economy