Elegant Blossoms: Sustaining Growth Despite Challenges

Elegant Blossoms Ltd is a budding horticulture company dedicated to innovation and excellence in growing summer flowers. Founded by Mr. Paul Muli and four other directors, the company has quickly established itself in the horticulture sector despite being operational for less than two years.

The Directors, with a robust background in horticulture farming, lead the team in cultivating summer flowers which came as a substitute for their previous farming practices which mainly included maize, beans, capsicum, tomatoes, and butternuts. The company is committed to innovation and robust systems, using technology to streamline operations and enhance marketing strategies.

Despite the prevailing circumstances, Elegant Blossoms has built a resilient business model emphasizing efficient resource management and cost-effective solutions. In a conversation with Mr. Paul Muli, he reveals how the journey has been for Elegant Blossoms and what they are eyeing as a company in the horticulture space.

 Tell us more about Elegant Blossoms Ltd.

 Elegant Blossoms has been operational for less than two years. Our initial year was primarily focused on building the necessary infrastructure, conducting trials, and obtaining the required licenses. We started planting Arabicum, Ammi, and Buplerium and have done trials on Alstroemeria and Hypericum summer flowers. Their initial acreage was 2 ha and they have been expanding since then.

The decision to choose summer flowers was driven by their cost effectiveness, popularity in the market, and their adaptability to the local climate, which allows for robust growth and vibrant blooms. This year, we are determined to penetrate the market aggressively, especially during the high season. We are putting in a lot of effort to ensure we achieve our goals and establish a strong presence.

What has been the driving force behind Elegant Blossoms’ growth in the highly competitive horticulture industry? As a startup, the driving force behind our growth has been our commitment to innovation and building robust systems. Participation in exhibitions has been pivotal; it has allowed us to connect with buyers, growers, and breeders, thereby expanding our network. We believe that these connections will be instrumental in helping us achieve our seasonal goals.

What are the significant milestones that Elegant Blossoms has achieved so far?

We have been in operation for less than two years, so our milestones are still in their early stages. As such, we consider the successful establishment of our infrastructure, completion of initial trials, and acquisition of necessary licenses as significant achievements. We are poised to make more impactful milestones as we continue to grow.

What are some of the challenges you have faced, and how have you addressed them?

Has technology been crucial in this approach?

One of the significant challenges we have faced is the prolonged time required to obtain government approvals. Just like other firms, we have experienced economic fluctuations and inflation issues, also the levies and licenses required to run the business are a lot.

Despite an increased turnover, the majority of the earnings go to freight charges. Generally, the cost of operation is very high. For us, we have focused on building a resilient business model that can withstand the prevailing market challenges by emphasizing efficient resource management and exploring cost-effective solutions. We also plan to optimize our flower calendar to ensure sufficient production during low seasons and emergencies, thereby maintaining consistency.

Technology has been a valuable tool in connecting different stakeholders and enhancing turnaround times. However, there is still a need for the government to expedite support for export farmers. For instance, securing electricity for the farm took longer than expected due to delays in government responses. We advocate for more streamlined processes and better support from governmental bodies.

What additional measures would you suggest to further strengthen Kenyan horticulture?

Government support can significantly influence the horticulture sector by simplifying the qualification and engagement processes for export activities. Speeding up these processes and providing agronomist or consultant services to startup farmers can ensure their sustainability. Offering guidance and support to new farmers will bolster the overall growth and resilience of the horticulture sector.

What Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives is the company involved in?

 As a new company with 30 employees, 26 of whom are locals, we have made a considerable impact by providing employment opportunities within the community. We are also planning to offer affordable accommodation for all our employees, to be on the farm. As we grow, we aim to engage in more CSR initiatives, such as ensuring children in the community do not miss school due to tuition fees, lack of uniforms, or food shortages.

What are some of the short[1]term goals of Elegant Blossoms Ltd?

Our short-term goals include making the business sustainable and securing consistent clients. We aim to ensure quality, quantity, and consistency in our production. Additionally, we plan to improve our infrastructure, diversify into other export areas such as avocados, and increase our production area. These steps will help us establish a stronger foothold in the market and expand our operations.

What is your final message or advice for fellow horticulture farmers and marketers globally?

 Farming will remain a major source of revenue for many people, and maintaining a balance in the industry requires precision and dedication. Farmers need to ensure the highest quality of products and consistency to build trust and support among each other. The market is vast and cannot be satisfied by just a few players. Collaboration and mutual support are essential for the industry’s overall growth.