No doubt, we all love flowers. Yet there is always something quite refreshing about getting to know how these flowers are grown. But better than that, it is a satisfying experience getting to know how the different varieties are developed, and having a firsthand feel of them, even before they are formally introduced to the growers’ farms.
Breeders know this, hence why De Ruiter, one of the leading breeders, hosts Open Days, letting growers, consolidators, traders, retailers, florists, and others in the industry have a feel of the varieties they have been working on. Often, many identify new, interesting, trendsetting, and promising varieties and novelties during such Open Days.
Open Days Matter for All in the Flower Industry
So, from January 14 to 16 at their facility in Naivasha, Kenya, De Ruiter East Africa (DREA), a name known for (and associated with) some of the most exquisite roses, and lately other varieties like Anigozanthos and Hypericum among others (because diversifying one’s portfolio is crucial amid the evolving trends), hosted growers for these very reasons.
But it was not just growers who attended. Others in the industry visited as well, just because the Open Days week matters so much for anyone (and everyone) in the flower industry, for several reasons.
For starters, breeders develop new varieties based on market needs and growing conditions. And during the open days, growers have the opportunity to evaluate those varieties and decide which ones they would want to invest in based on their market research and trends. Traders and distributors, on the other hand, have the opportunity to learn and take note of the flowers in demand across different segments across the markets.
Florists and designers also have the opportunity to make informed decisions after experiencing these flowers. In ways, events like these are where all these segments meet and connect, and feedback reaches the breeder, while connections are built and enhanced to support the floral industry. Basically, these Open Days are part of how the flower industry operates and grows.
From another angle, during these Open Days, one gets to see roses (and other flowers) at different stages of development, from buds to fully open flowers. One can ask questions to people who understand the entire breeding process, the growing requirements, and the market dynamics. One also gets to meet and interact with their peers, including other growers and industry professionals, getting more leads and essential insights.
Numerous Varieties on Showcase at De Ruiter East Africa Open Days
Rose Revolution certainly continued its run. It stole the show during the Open Days at De Ruiter East Africa, remaining one of the biggest attractions. Already a commercial success, grown by growers like Shalimar Fresh, Nini Flowers, Van Den Berg, Panda Flowers, and Maridadi Flowers (Kneppers Rozen) in Kenya, this red rose seems to keep reinventing itself; just the perfect quality for a rose.
But the seven premium varieties specially selected for the Middle East also attracted significant traffic to their corner. Named the DREA‘ME Collection (loosely spelt out as ‘De Ruiter East Africa to Middle East’), this section hosted these roses at the facility. These varieties: Rose Mandala, Rose Bahati, Rose PomaRosa, Rose Proud, Rose Fluence, Rose Ever Red, and Rose Ever Pink, all had visitors seeking to know more about them, more so, with the growing Middle East market, particularly in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and other countries. This emerging and growing market is driven by booming hospitality, luxury retail, and events, and an increasing demand for gifting and sustainable options.
Other entrants like De Ruiter's Serenity, Rose Pukka, Rose Fizzy, Rose Brilliance, Spray Rose Fibonacci Yantra, and Spray Rose Fiesta Brilliant Stars, also attracted considerable attention. There were others like Rose Ever Red, Rose Trivia, Rose Ever Pink, AlpinaRosa, Rose Emira, Rose Mysterious, Rose Comanche, and Rose Mia. Plus, the breeder's Dimension® Series, featuring the likes of Pink Dimension, Special Dimension, Peach Dimension, and Sweet Dimension, caught the attention of many of those who visited.
These roses (and many others still in the making) were complemented by the breeder’s Hypericum and Kangaroo Paw additions, making it all an impressive showcase for those who made it to the event.
What Did Growers Think of De Ruiter and Their Varieties?
Being mainly a grower-centric event, growers, the key targets of the Open Days, were, without a doubt, impressed by the entire experience. While many already had different varieties on their farms, the new additions proved quite a hit. Isinya-based PJ Dave Flora has, for instance, had a longstanding working partnership with De Ruiter. Santosh Kulkarni, the grower’s Managing Director, noted that they have worked well with the breeder for at least 15 years.
Santosh:
“Rose Rhodos is one of our best-performing varieties. This is especially so, now that we are preparing for Valentine’s.”
There are more characteristics that the growers had positive remarks about, and the breeder, by extension. Peterson Muchiri of Rift Valley Roses pointed out their long partnership with De Ruiter East Africa, ever since the grower started their operations in 2011.
Peterson:
“We started with Rose Ever Red (which is still popular up to now), alongside others like Rose Pebbles and Rose Snow Bubbles from the breeder. But what (more) we love about them is their release policy that protects the growers.”
Peterson also praised De Ruiter’s red rose varieties for their intense color and other features, as well as their gene bank and the innovation behind their breeding practices.
Catching up with AAA Growers’ Moses Ndegwa later on, he indicated that while they often visit the DREA facility every now and then (their tours not necessarily restricted to the Open Days’ weeks), their partnership with the breeder is ever wholesome. For now, he said the grower is trialing Rose Bahati, and also has Rose Fluence, especially inspired by the growing Middle East market.
Successful Open Days at DREA
By all means, the three days proved to be a success, according to Rohit Patil, the Sales and Marketing Manager. Ethan Chege, the Sales and Technical Manager at DREA, also reiterated this fact, noting the honor it felt for growers to visit the facility, interact with the team, and explore their established, new, and upcoming varieties.
Alongside PJ Dave Flora and Rift Valley Roses, other growers like Flamingo, Ol-Njorowa, Solai Roses, Maridadi Flowers (Kneppers Rozen), BergRoseS, Roseto Group, Bohemia Flowers, Fontana Group, Mona Flowers, Shalimar Fresh, as well as Imani Flowers and Benev Flora, alongside numerous others, visited the facility.
If you missed out on this edition of the De Ruiter Open Days, watch out for the next one coming soon.
