After three formative years working in Kenya’s floriculture sector, Lars Schalkers (28) has started a new chapter in China as General Manager of Kunming Green Horizon (昆明碧绿视界农产品销售有限公司), a newly established company based in the Yunnan province in China, focused on connecting international breeders and horticultural suppliers with the Chinese and wider Asian markets.
From the Netherlands to Kenya to China
Over the past three years, Lars managed the breeding and production farm operations of United Selections in Nakuru, Kenya. Moving from the Netherlands to East Africa meant stepping not only into a new country and culture, but also into a new industry. During this time, he gained hands-on experience in one of the world's most dynamic floriculture production regions.
"The floriculture sector is an ever-changing industry with many challenges, but also with a strong positive impact on people’s lives," Lars explains. "Seeing how flowers contribute to employment, education opportunities, and future perspectives for communities makes it a sector I’m proud to be part of."
This next step also builds on an earlier connection with China. Ten years ago, Lars Schalkers moved there to study the Chinese language, followed later by an entrepreneurial venture in Thailand together with his grandfather. After returning to the Netherlands during the COVID period and subsequently relocating to Kenya, the move to Kunming marks the start of a new phase focused on market development and international business development within Asia.
Starting Kunming Green Horizon
With the establishment of Kunming Green Horizon, the company aims to support breeders and horticultural partners entering the Chinese market by providing practical, on-the-ground assistance with sales coordination, market positioning, local engagement, and business development.
"Many breeders recognize the opportunities that China and Asia offer, but successfully entering these markets requires local presence, cultural understanding, and trusted relationships," Lars says. "Our role is to bridge that gap and help international partners navigate the market in a practical and transparent way."
For international breeders, Kunming Green Horizon provides support throughout the market-entry process. Services include identifying suitable distribution partners, coordinating variety trials, supporting product introductions, facilitating communication between breeders and local stakeholders, and providing ongoing market intelligence. By maintaining a permanent presence in China, the company helps bridge cultural, linguistic, and operational differences that often present challenges for companies entering the region.
Sourcing Supplies & Solutions
In addition to market representation, the company assists international clients with sourcing agricultural products, machinery, greenhouse materials, irrigation materials, packaging solutions, and other industry-related supplies from China. The company takes an active role throughout the procurement process, including supplier verification, factory visits, quality inspections, and logistical coordination.
As the company’s first machinery shipment to Kenya is currently being prepared, this hands-on approach is already being put into practice. Rather than relying solely on supplier information, Kunming Green Horizon works directly with manufacturers, visiting production facilities and monitoring quality throughout the assembly process whenever required.
"One of the advantages of being based in China is that we can be present when and where it matters," Lars explains. "When a project requires verification, inspection, or follow-up, we will jump on a plane to visit factories, suppliers, and partners directly. Our goal is not only to source competitively priced products, but to give our clients confidence that what has been agreed upon is what will ultimately be delivered."
Providing Greater Transparency and Confidence
Through local supplier verification, quality inspections, and logistical coordination, Kunming Green Horizon aims to provide international customers with greater transparency and confidence throughout the procurement process.
"Being physically present in Kunming allows us to react quickly, visit growers and suppliers, verify opportunities, and provide our partners with reliable feedback directly from the market," Lars comments. "Trust is built through consistency. Whether we are representing a breeder, coordinating a trial program, or sourcing equipment, our objective is to be the local partner that international companies can rely on."
The office is located within walking distance of the well-known Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, one of Asia’s largest floriculture trading hubs. This strategic location provides direct access to growers, traders, distributors, and industry stakeholders throughout the region, creating opportunities for collaboration across the horticultural supply chain.
Lars Schalkers:
"Asia continues to play an increasingly important role in global horticulture. Our ambition is not only to help international companies access these markets, but also to build long-term partnerships that create value for breeders, growers, suppliers, and customers on both sides. There is tremendous potential when innovation, knowledge, and market opportunities are effectively connected."
Rooted in China. Connected to the world.
Feel free to contact Lars Schalkers at: info@kunming-greenhorizon.cn, or via WeChat: LarsKGH or WhatsApp: +31 (6) 57 209 467.
