"We are seeing quality roses from East Africa" - Fresco Flowers

Kenyan rose growers and breeders have earned a pat on the back from one of the utmost authorities in floriculture trade. Gerjan Telleman, Founder Director of Fresco Flowers says there has been great improvement in quality of cut roses coming from the East African region.

In an industry that in 2014 recorded an impressive $20.6 billion in global exports, Kenya alongside East African counterpart Ethiopia made a notable mark despite potentially impeding factors such as challenges in adhering to tough trade policies from the EU.

“Kenyan and Ethiopian rose growers enjoy a relative advantage compared to their South American and European peers since they are able to achieve large-scale production of good-quality flowers for competitive prices," said Gerjan during an exclusive interview with Flowerweb.

“The quality and level of production of cut roses from East Africa is getting better and better,” he adds. “Rose breeders are coming up with good new roses while growers are using more innovative methods in rose growing. We are now witnessing roses with good color, bigger head-sizes and commendable vaselife.”

Companies such as Fresco Flowers have over the years played an integral role in enhancing the East African floriculture industry. As a case study, Fresco assists rose growers by offering them diverse packaging options with stickers and barcodes; as well as quality control of the roses at arrival regarding number, temperature, disease and other deviations. Fresco Flowers has made a name for itself not only because they deal with a superior assortment from the best growers but also because of the offered service.

On the impending El Niño rains expected in Kenya later this month, Gerjan says prices of roses might shift significantly owing to an inevitable reduction in volumes.

“We hope to work with our growers and see how to best achieve consistency during the El Niño period,” says Gerjan. Some of the rose growers represented by Fresco Flowers include Timaflor, Lolomarik, Kisima, Ol-Njorowa, Mt. Kenya flowers, Rift Valley Roses, Nirp East Africa, Alani and Linssen Roses. Fresco Flowers uses channels of FloraHolland; the auctions clocks and direct selling. Fresco Flowers will be present at the FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer set for 4-6 Nov 2015 booth nr: 15,5 and is also one of the key partners at the special florist event, IFTF World of Flowers in Vijfhuizen.

For more information on Fresco Flowers please visit www.frescoflowers.nl