Sixth Edition of IFTEX successful & well attended.
The 6th edition of the International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) was very successful, reconfirming Kenya’s
leading position in world’s flower industry. The Fair was opened by Kenya Flower Council’s chairman Mr. Richard Fox, who praised the important and still growing position of Kenya in the world trade of flowers.
The quality of the displayed flowers during the exhibition was excellent; numerous flower designs, astonishing, the ambiance was very cozy and many professional in the high level event. Winners of the competition in the category “nonperishable’s – hard good suppliers” were Amiran at 4th place receiving a bronze award, Agrichem at 3rd place receiving silver, Panalpina at 2nd place receiving gold and Elgon emerging winners receiving the platinum award for their achievement. In the category “perishables- flowers” the prizes went to Isinya at 4th place receiving a bronze July- August 2016 award, Subati at 3rd receiving silver, Omang Amor at 2nd receiving gold and Black Tulip at 1st position receiving the platinum award.
The event was very well attended; remarkable high number of buyers from Russia and Middle East. Also a good number of buyers from various European and Asian countries were present in this year’s fair. There was a good number of locals from East African Community. The parking was filled to capacity; vehicles parking even along gate B entrance road; a sign that the locals were present in large numbers.
Pre-registered and therefore expected US buyers didn’t show up in the end, most likely as a result of direct flights between Kenya and the USA not being operational until now. The expectation is that they will attend the moment the flights will actually commence; which is expected in the middle of next year. In the case of the Chinese buyers, they attended although in smaller numbers than the pre-registered.
However it is expected that their number will grow steadily for the coming editions of IFTEX. “For both the US and Chinese markets, promotion efforts to attend IFTEX 2018 will be intensified”, van Raamsdonk commented.
