Fresco Flowers insight on Kenyan Floriculture Market
As we approach the close of 2016, it can be revealed that the year has been a good one for floriculture business in Kenya. This is according to Gerjan Telleman, Owner and CEO of Fresco Flowers.
“2016 has been generally good in terms of product quality, production numbers and price,” says Gerjan.
“In recent years the summer was warmer than normal. This year the climate was colder like the old days. So production was low with good prices”
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with EU
Gerjan’s sentiments come at a time when the Floriculture industry in Kenya is smarting from a long running impasse on the EPA-EU deal. The deal which was recently signed by Kenya and Rwanda has been seen by exporters especially in floriculture as a huge reprieve and a good way forward.
The EPA is intended to guarantee the EAC traders duty-and-quota free access to the EU market in exchange for a gradual opening of up to 80 per cent of the region’s market to European products. Gerjan notes that most of their growers in Kenya are very happy with the deal signing; since they would’ve been subjected to export duty of between 8% - 12% if the EPA deal had not been signed and finalized in time.
BREXIT
On the recent Brexit move, Gerjan says that it is a bit too early to point out its impact on the market. Although he points out that with the British Pound losing ground against other major currencies, the Brexit has on some level affected traders who have Britain as their major market.
Fresco launches Webshop
For just over a decade now, Fresco Flowers has handled, repacked and supplied flowers from Kenyan and Ethiopian rose growers from their base at the Royal FloraHolland Aalsmeer. The company is also uniquely placed to offer first hand market information and insight on trends in the international flower industry.
Through their web platform www.frescoflowers.nl, the company recently launched their webshop which allows buyers a new opportunity to place orders on their preferred cut-roses from top African growers. In spite of a growing interest with the direct market channels, 80% of Fresco business is still through the clock.
Here’s a look at the top ten 2016 roses from Fresco
- Upper Class (breeder, United Selections)
- Athena (breeder, Kordes)
- Mariyo! (breeder, Schreurs)
- El Toro (breeder, Olij Breeding)
- Tacazzi+ (breeder, Dummen Orange)
- Pink Tacazzi+ (breeder, Dummen Orange)
- Belle Rose (breeder, Kordes)
- Red Ribbon (breeder, United Selections)
- Memory Lane! (breeder, Schreurs)
- Confidential (breeder, United Selections)
Best New 2016 market introductions
Chapeau was feted during this year's VGB awards; being named second in the Exclusive roses category. The rose has a cream pink color that can attain more intensity depending on the climatic conditions of where it is grown. She has a vaselife of 10 – 14 days and stemlength of 50–70 cm.
Mon Amour is a red Rose, large bloom, well suited for the Kenya high altitude climate. Fresco Flowers offers Mon Amour from grower Timaflor and Kisima and is a clear addition to any wholesaler collection. The bud height is about 6 cm.
Sweet Tacazzi is a beautiful pink rose with an average vaselife of 14days and stemlength of 50-60cm. The rose has a bud size of 4.5-5.5cm.
A strong and bright red rose bred by United Selection. the rose has an average length of 60cm.
Toro Rosso has a striking bright red color, less thorns and an excellent vase life with a beautiful opening of the flower. With a bud height of 6 cm, Toro Rosso has an excellent presentation during sales and on the vase.
