IFTEX 2016 lives to its promise of being better and bigger
Internationally acclaimed exhibitions have one thing in common; the attendance, the set up and the venue chosen to host such events are always outstanding. The Kenyan based International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) had all this qualities; slotting itself among the best in the world.
The ever quiet Oshwal Centre had to brave a beehive of activities for a consecutive three days as the fair marked its fifth edition since it was incepted.
“This year’s edition is the biggest so far, being marked together with Kenya flower councils (KFC) 20th anniversary. Over 200 companies are exhibiting and more than 5,000 national and international trade visitors are in attendance. This is a 15% increase, bringing the total number of participating countries this year to at least 50. The exhibition itself has grown by another 10% in size and is for this reason accommodating about 10% more exhibitors,’’ explained Mr. Dick Van Raamsdonk, the President of HPP international Exhibitions.
Principal Secretary, Kenya Department of Agriculture Principal Secretary, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, look on as he inaugurated the opening of IFTEX 2016. To his left is, HPP-director Dick van Raamsdonk.
Gracing the trade was Dr Richard Lesiyambe, the Principal Secretary Ministry of Agriculture who was the chief guest. He spelled out the government position in supporting and appreciating the role that Agriculture is playing and its contribution to the country’s GDP.
To that extent, the Government has continued to zero–rate VAT and give duty exemptions for irrigation, fertigation and water applications related equipment’s as well horticultural machinery for soil preparation, fertilizers, greenhouse materials and equipment’s.
‘’ The government has established Horticulture Competent Authority Structure and the National Traceability System. These will ensure the horticultural subsector have a coordinated approach on issues affecting it with regards to market requirements and compliance,” said Dr. Lesiyambe.
Several prices were awarded to exhibiting companies for the Best Stand Decoration Competition. Bronze was awarded to the Kenyan grower Redlands, Silver was there for Black Tulip, Gold for Subati and Platinum for Omang, all-in the category Perishables. In the category Non Perishables, Bronze went to the Kenyan company Greenlife, Silver to the Dutch based company Broekhof, Gold was there for the Israeli company Amiran and Platinum for Agrichem.
This event has given Kenya a great achievement in the mission of bringing the world to source flowers in the country where they are grown responsibly, thereby giving the flower industry global attention.
All said and done, there is high hope and anticipation that IFTEX 2017 will be much bigger and more successful with more American, Chinese, Russian as well as buyers from Middle East attending.
By: Steven Mulanda, Hortfresh Journal
