Inspiring varieties showcased during De Ruiter's Open Days

As the industry was smarting from a gruelling but satisfying Valentine's season while also preparing for the International Women's Day, leading rose breeder De Ruiter East Africa hosted their first open days of the year at their Naivasha facility. 

De Ruiter boasts an impressive portfolio with more than 100 commercially active varieties that are available to clients. Among the best perfomers this valentine's season from the De Ruiter East Africa stable include Ever Red®, Born Free®, Furiosa®, Cupido®, Red Kamala® & Rhodos®. The breeder also has quite a few other red codes in the pipeline for 2019. These and more rose varieties were being showcased during the well attended two day event. 

In the special shape segment, the Vuvuzela range and X-pression are popular choices, characterized by their bud shape and colour combination. These strong characteristics already yielded De Ruiter the name of 'color breeder'. 

In the past, De Ruiter was known for its highly productive retail varieties, however, eight years ago the breeder started churning out strong contenders for the auction market. Having two high altitude (2,400m) show cases in two different growing regions, their customers are better able to sample varieties in their respective growing areas.

The open days also offered a unique opportunity for industry suppliers to interact with visiting growers through a mini-marketplace expo stationed on the sidelines of the showcase. Exhibitors included Agrichem products suppliers, agri inputs suppliers as well as logistics service providers. Visiting growers comprised of both high altitude and low altitude rose farms. 

"This open day kicks off our focus on potential sales for the rest of the year after the valentine's period. We have selections that are ideal for all sections of the market and encourage growers to come and sample to determine what they would like to have trials with," said Rob Letcher MD De Ruiter East Africa.