IFTEX 2016 - Bigger and Better

Kenya once again played host to the global floriculture fraternity during the 5th annual International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) show held at the Oshwal Center in Nairobi. IFTEX lived up to its billing of being one of the fastest growing and most reputable flower shows in the world. 

This year’s IFTEX show was bigger compared to the 2014 edition with 10% additional space covering 7 halls. Exhibitors were drawn from Kenya and other parts of the world; with visitors comprising of international buyers from Australia, China, Russia, Japan, USA, South East Asia, Middle East and Russia among others.

In his official opening address, Principal Secretary, State Department Agriculture Dr. Richard Leresian Lesiyampe, who was chief guest noted that the floriculture sub-sector in Kenya was a major foreign exchange earner and employs 500,000 people directly and more than 6 million indirectly. In recognition of the role played by floriculture in Kenya, the government has some initiatives to help develop the industry. These include establishment of an Agriculture Development Fund that aims at developing agriculture crops in general and horticultural crops in particular. 

According to the President of HPP Exhibitions, Dick van Raamsdonk, the 2016 edition stood out as the best so far. The show this year was mainly focused on finding new customers in order to increase exports. The theme for this year's edition was "Positioning Kenya's Floriculture in the global market".

“The presence of nearly all Kenyan flowers growers at this year’s IFTEX, the fair presents an almost complete showcase to its attending buyers of what Kenya has to offer in terms of flowers,” he added.

Next year’s IFTEX event will be held from June 7-9, 2017