A water rationing mode currently effected in Naivasha, the bedrock for flower farming, is likely to deny the country the revenue from improved sales ahead of the onset of the peak flower season later this month.
Analysts say the move is adding to the troubles the sector is facing. The industry reported a decline in demand for its products in key markets since the onset of global recession last year, as production drops further with the ongoing drought.
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Recently published trade data (Eurostat) covering the year 2008 shows that The Netherlands remains the leading gateway for flowers from a number of different developing countries. Nevertheless, one leading supplying country can be recognised: Kenya. Imports from Kenya increased by 13% annually between 2004 and 2008, while imports from Ecuador increased by 20% annually during this period. Imports from Colombia and Tanzania showed significant increases as well. However, the most notable performance was that of Ethiopia. Imports from Ethiopia increased by 193% annually, with imports amounting to € 63 million in 2008. Only four years before, the imports from this country were still negligible. In contrast, imports from Zimbabwe decreased by 18% annually during the review period, due to the unstable economic and political situation.
Source: ProVerde, Eurostat
Since 2003, ProVerde has been one of the leading consultants involved in carrying out CBI’s training programme for flower exporters in Kenya. To celebrate the finalisaion of the programme, a video has been published focusing on one of the participating companies: Wilmar Agro Ltd, an export company marketing the produce of a large number of small scale farmers (outgrowers). Read more »
Subsequent to the training in Ethiopia, we continued to Kenya and Tanzania to meet and discuss new training activities with the local trade associations (Kenya Flower Council and TAHA). In Kenya, I still had some time to pay a short visit to Valentine Growers, one of the farms that regularly participated in the previous training programmes.
It was good to see that Valentine Growers is doing well. Direct trade is developing strongly thanks to their attention to sustainable rose production and their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.
Valentine Growers Co. Ltd is a flower farm located in Kiambu District approximately 15km from the city of Nairobi, Kenya. The farm started in 1996 and has since expanded to two sites with a total acreage of 27 hectares. The total annual production stands at 55 million stems per year. The main destinations for the roses are Holland, Germany, UK, France, Switzerland and Scandinavian Countries. Other regions include USA, Middle East, & the Far East.
In the cold store, we used the opportunity to take a few photos with the Fairtrade flowers that were ready to be shipped to the European supermarkets.
In January 2008, ProVerde compiled the ‘Handbook Cut Flowers’ for CBI. The handbook is an information source and reminder of all topics discussed during the Export Coaching Programme for Cut Flowers in Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. It will also help you deal with some practical problems. You will find useful checklists, exercises, practical worksheets, and questionnaires. The handbook can be requested by your local sector organisation, i.e. KFC, UFEA, ZEGA or Egyptflor.
The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) proposed the project “Research and Development on Diversification of Products and Markets, and Post harvest Control in the Floriculture Sector Of Kenya” to the Kenyan-Dutch Partnership Programme for Market Access for Horticultural Produce. Read more »