Kenya's floriculture industry soared to new heights this past week as the International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) 2025 took place and concluded with practically unmatched success at the Visa Oshwal Center in Nairobi. The three-day event, running from June 3rd to 5th, welcomed a record number of visitors (pre-registration was already 25% higher than last year), more exhibitors (in total 189 from 18 different countries around the world), strengthening Kenya's position as a global leader in flower production and trade.
Industry professionals, growers, suppliers, logistics players, buyers, florists, flower lovers, and general enthusiasts converged in an atmosphere that was nothing short of a celebration of floriculture growth and innovation, showcasing the promising future of the floriculture industry while highlighting sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies, and novel varieties that continue to delight markets.
A Spectacular Opening Set the Tone
The exhibition opened with exceptional splendor as Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, who was the chief guest, emphasized the Kenyan government's firm commitment to supporting the floriculture sector. His presence highlighted the strategic importance of flower exports to Kenya's economy and the international flower trade, as well as the nation's dedication to maintaining its competitive edge in global flower markets.
The opening ceremony drew hundreds of international delegates, with many noting the expanded scale and enhanced presentation compared to previous years. The enthusiasm was even more vivid as exhibitors unveiled their latest innovations and varieties, setting the stage for three days of intensive networking, creating partnerships, knowledge sharing, and business development.
Record Participation Reflected Floriculture Industry Growth
This year's IFTEX demonstrated the outstanding growth trajectory of Kenya's floriculture industry, with participation levels exceeding all previous editions. The increased presence of international buyers, particularly from Europe, the Middle East, and North America, and elsewhere, highlighted the growing global confidence in Kenyan flower quality and reliability.
The response this year, according to participants, was therefore overwhelming, with some who had never visited Kenya before being thrilled by the whole showcase and experience. Still, the quality standards on display were truly world-class, corroborating the impression that Kenyan floriculture is headed towards new levels of sophistication.
The growth was evident not just in numbers but in the diversity of participants, with new companies joining established industry leaders, creating a dynamic environment for innovation and collaboration. Breeders, growers, suppliers, and just visitors all hailed the great strides that the event has made over the years, and the potential that this implies for the flower industry.
Industry Players Showcased Innovation and Growth
The exhibition presented a platform for both established companies and newer ones in the industry to demonstrate their continued development and innovation. And they did not disappoint. Local, regional, and international players all prominently featured in the event, contributing to the success of this year’s fair. Breeders De Ruiter, United Selections, Interplant Roses, Viking Roses, Schreurs, Select Breeding, Danziger, Nirp International, Ball Horticultural Company, Könst Alstroemeria, Dümmen Orange, HilverdaFlorist’s Murara Plants, Meilland, Icon Selections, Takii, Georges Delbard, and others featured, showcasing both their new and earlier varieties.
On the other hand, growers like Sian Flowers, Subati Group, Red Lands Roses, Tambuzi Roses, Karen Roses, Uhuru Flowers, P.J. Dave Flowers Group, Porini Flowers, Black Tulip Group/Fontana, Omang/Amor, Shallimar Fresh, Mzurrie Group, Mount Elgon Orchards, Ole Engai Growers, Lenana Flowers, Kikwetu Flowers, Exceptional Africalla, Imani Flowers, Everflora, Baraka Roses, Rosetto, Isinya Roses, and many others took part too, with their novelties. There were also leading suppliers, logistics players, and consolidators like Royal FloraHolland, Chrysal, FlowerWatch, Wafex, Octoflor, and Airflo.
Premium Varieties Took Center Stage
De Ruiter, for instance, thrilled those who attended the fair with their varieties, which included notable reds like the ever-popular Rose Ever Red®, Revolution®, Red Calypso®, Furiosa®, Rhodos®, and numerous others. The breeder, known for their unique roses (flowers) in practically all colors, keeps positioning itself as the reliable leader in premium roses.
For United Selections (partnering with Könst Alstroemeria and Icon Selections), the show was a total success, according to Elvis Musyoka, who is the breeder’s Sales Manager.
Elvis Musyoka:
“Post-COVID-19, this year’s IFTEX exhibition has thus far been the best for us. We had many buyers and inquiries for our flowers, which is a positive indicator that the industry is growing stronger and better.”
The Nakuru-based breeder showcased several highlight varieties, including Rose Hot Wave, a new hot-pink standard variety which attracted quite significant attention, alongside Rose Nova Vita, Rose Rise & Shine, and Rose Juicy. Others included their blossoms: Spray Rose Misty Charm Blossoms, Space Blossoms, and Snowy Blossoms, alongside Chrysanthemum breeder, Icon Selections’ varieties of Santini, disbud, and spray Chrysanthemums. Their lineup was completed by a whole range of Alstroemeria varieties. One particular variety, Alstroemeria Debby—a very soft pink variety with blooms that open beautifully and delicately—seemed to catch the attention of many who attended.
Viking Roses also generated excitement with their Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca, a beautiful garden-like spray rose, with a perfect pink shade and huge buds opening so graciously. This rose attracted quite special attention following its successful introduction. Plus, this breeder’s methodical approach to variety introduction and their ingenuity positions them as an innovative force in the industry.
Other industry representatives also made significant strides, which guaranteed the event's success, as noted by Bravisa Shah of Ole Engai Growers, who held that this year's IFTEX has exceeded their expectations in terms of visitor engagement and business opportunities.
Bravisa Shah:
"The quality of interactions and the serious intent of buyers demonstrate the maturity of our industry."
Bas van Mourik, CEO of Van Helvoort Company (Van Helvoort Kenya Ltd), also emphasized the importance of the fair and the collaborative relationships that such floral trade exhibitions nurture. He noted that all that takes place at events like IFTEX represents the future of international floriculture cooperation, combining traditional knowledge with innovative techniques to meet global market demands.
Sustainability (and Social Responsibility) in Focus
A notable theme throughout IFTEX 2025 was the emphasis on sustainable practices (and social responsibility). Many exhibitors highlighted their environmental initiatives and community development programs, reflecting the industry's obligation to ensure responsible and sustainable growth. The exhibition, therefore, provided the perfect platform to show international buyers that Kenyan flowers are not only beautiful but are also produced with the highest environmental and social standards.
This was emphasized by the presence of both the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), and MPS, who have been keen on the sustainability aspect of flower production within the general floriculture industry. Arthij van der Veer of MPS, for instance, noted that they were keen not only on the FSI compliance but also on their other products and services, including the FloriPEFCR-compliant HortiFootprint Calculator, as well as how data insights can help support a more sustainable floriculture sector.
A Successful IFTEX Means a Flourishing Floriculture Future
As the 2025 IFTEX came to a close, the consensus among participants was overwhelmingly positive. The record attendance, increased local, regional, and international participation, and strong business outcomes signal a bright future for Kenya's (and global) floriculture industry. The exhibition demonstrated that the Kenyan floriculture industry continues to set global standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability.
The success of IFTEX 2025 also reinforces Kenya's position as a world leader in flower production and export, while the record participation levels indicate growing international confidence in the sector's prospects. With sustained investment in sustainable practices, innovative varieties, and strong international partnerships, Kenya's floriculture industry appears well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge in global markets. You can look forward to the next IFTEX exhibition, which will, without a doubt, be much bigger and better as the industry keeps growing.
