F. Optimal Connection Market Review Week 48
The Head of Roses at F. Optimal Connection, Ishai Sharon, has noted that the flower market during the prevailing period has been unusually slow. The interest by consumers according to Ishai is gradually been drawn towards other Christmas decorative items and small green arrangements as opposed to flowers.
“What is unusual is the extreme weather circumstances in Kenya. We faced a phenomenon called 'The Indian Ocean Dipole' which normally occurs once in ten years,” he adds.
Indian Ocean Dipole is a phenomenon whereby unusual warming of the Indian ocean occurs; this happening caused heavy rains and flooding in many parts of the East African region. As a result, the quality of crops suffers due to a range of problems such as Botrytis.
“And If the weather will continue like the forecast promises, then we are worried also from downy that cause loosing of full flush and even more,” he concludes.
However, Ishai expects that the usual demand for flowers during the Christmas festive period will be seen by the close of the coming week. Pink among other select colours is now suffering the most because of low demand and low market prices. On the other hand, the Red Colours are fairing much better, this is more so when he compares the prices now to the prices last year.
“Low supply from Kenya, Holland, and Spain is the reason for this, but I believe we are going to have a long period of good prices for the segment of red roses,” he says.
Ishai concludes the F.Optimal review by advising, “The overriding priority of all growers in the coming season should be to make sure that they maintain stellar quality albeit the hard work required. I wish all of us good Christmas sales and a good 2019 season.”
