IFTEX 2024 celebrates innovation, growth in floriculture trade

The eleventh edition of the International Floriculture Trade Expo (IFTEX) 2024 taking place marked a vibrant celebration of global floriculture and horticultural innovation. Held at the Visa Oshwal Center in Nairobi’s Westlands, this year’s event brought together over 300 exhibitors from 60 countries, showcasing the latest trends and technologies in the industry.

IFTEX, known as Africa’s largest trade fair for floriculture, opened its doors to thousands of international buyers, growers, and industry professionals. The expo spanned three days of intensive networking, product demonstrations, and insightful seminars aimed at fostering growth and sustainability within the sector.

One of the highlights of IFTEX 2024 was the exhibition of new varieties of flowers and plants. Participating growers unveiled a dazzling array of blooms, from classic favorites to novel hybrids tailored to meet diverse consumer preferences worldwide. This emphasis on innovation underscored the industry’s commitment to staying at the forefront of global floral trends.

“Kenya’s floriculture sector has long been a beacon of our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and resilience. This spirit has propelled our country to become a global leader in floriculture, contributing significantly to the economy, creating jobs, and enhancing the livelihoods of over 2 million Kenyans. Our flowers have continued to demonstrate the synergy between nature and human effort, showcasing the best of what our nation has to offer,” said Dr. Idris Salim Dokota Principal Secretary, of the State Department For Cabinet Affairs while delivering the keynote address.

The expo also featured a series of workshops and panel discussions addressing critical issues such as sustainable farming practices, market trends, and the impact of digitalization on the floriculture supply chain. Experts and thought leaders shared valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly production methods and efficient distribution channels in meeting the growing demand for flowers globally.

“We are thrilled with the success of IFTEX 2024. It has been a fantastic opportunity for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will drive the industry forward. The enthusiasm and engagement we’ve seen reflect the resilience and dynamism of the floriculture sector,” said Dick Van Raamsdonk, General Director, HPP Exhibitions, the organizers of IFTEX.

The expo also served as a platform for buyers to connect directly with growers, facilitating valuable business transactions and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Attendees expressed optimism about the prospects for the industry, noting the robust demand for high-quality flowers and the increasing importance of sustainability in purchasing decisions.

“With around 5,000 hectares dedicated to flower cultivation, the industry exports over 200,000 tonnes of flowers annually, valued at $900 million, bringing in vital forex revenues to the economy. The floriculture sector accounts for more than 70% of total horticultural exports, employing over 200,000 workers, most of them in rural areas. Additionally, it indirectly employs 1 million people involved in the supply of goods and services and affects over 4 million people. With Kenya’s rich soils, advanced technology, and excellent human capital, we could double Kenya’s exports in the next 10 years. The question is: how can Kenya unlock the full potential of the floriculture industry?” noted Christopher Kulei, the Kenya Flower Council Chairman.

Prof. Theophilus Mutui, the Managing Director of KEPHIS added: “We join colleagues and stakeholders in celebrating flowers, knowing the aesthetic value they hold to many families and communities all over the world. I note that the Expo is an important event in the calendar of growers, merchants, suppliers, regulatory agencies such as ourselves, and many others along the flower value chain. Ladies and gentlemen, the floriculture sub-sector is important to Kenya as flowers earn the country significant amounts of foreign exchange. As you may be aware, Kenya is the lead exporter of rose cut flowers to the European Union (EU) and flowers form the bulk of our horticultural export earnings. Moreover, flowers provide significant employment, especially to women and the youth.”

 IFTEX 2024 came at a time when the Kenyan flower industry has been on a sustainability overdrive that has been marked by concerted efforts to minimize environmental impact, promote ethical labor practices, and enhance community engagement. Key stakeholders, including growers, exporters, and government bodies, have collaborated closely to address these challenges while fostering continued growth.

Central to these efforts is the adoption of eco-friendly farming techniques. Many flower farms have implemented integrated pest management systems to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, opting instead for biological controls and organic alternatives. This shift not only preserves soil health but also safeguards local ecosystems and water sources, crucial considerations in a country where water conservation is paramount.

Furthermore, the industry has prioritized energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Several farms have invested in solar power infrastructure, harnessing Kenya’s abundant sunlight to power greenhouse operations and reduce carbon footprints.

These initiatives not only lower operational costs but also contribute to Kenya’s broader goal of achieving sustainable development targets outlined in the Paris Agreement. Beyond environmental stewardship, the Kenyan flower industry has made significant strides in social sustainability.

Many farms have implemented fair labor practices, ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and opportunities for employee development. Women, who comprise a substantial portion of the industry’s workforce, have been empowered through training programs and leadership opportunities, promoting gender equality within the sector.

Community engagement initiatives have also flourished, with flower farms supporting local schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure projects. By investing in education and healthcare, the industry contributes to the well-being and socio-economic development of surrounding communities, fostering a positive relationship with residents.

Looking ahead, industry leaders are committed to further advancing sustainability initiatives. Plans are underway to expand organic farming practices, enhance water management strategies, and strengthen partnerships with international organizations to share best practices and innovations.

As Kenya’s flower industry navigates a rapidly evolving global landscape, its dedication to sustainability stands as a testament to proactive leadership and responsible stewardship. By balancing economic growth with environmental and social responsibility, Kenya’s flower growers are paving the way for a resilient and sustainable future. As the curtains closed on IFTEX 2024, participants departed with renewed inspiration and a strengthened sense of community within the global floriculture family.

With plans already underway for IFTEX 2025, anticipation is high for further advancements in technology, sustainability, and market expansion in the coming year.