The International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) returns to Nairobi's Visa Oshwal Center from June 2-4, 2026, and with it comes one of the most anticipated flower showcases on the floral calendar. Breeder United Selections once again anchors their stand B5.01, alongside alstro breeder Könst Alstroemeria and Chrysanthemum specialist Icon Selections. Together, they bring a diversity of commercially relevant assortments, featuring standard and spray roses, Alstroemeria, and Chrysanthemums. You now have an idea why their shared booth is a must-visit.
All Three Breeders in One Stand
Stand B5.01 has become quite a familiar address for IFTEX attendees. It is where you’ll almost always find United Selections since they first established their presence at the floral trade fair. The breeder often uses this event to directly connect with growers, as well as other players in the flower industry, and to present their (new) varieties.
For the 2026 edition of the IFTEX, their format almost follows the same well-received model from the previous editions, in which they have always been accompanied by Könst and Icon Selections. Their joint booth often has strong visitor traffic alongside clientele interest.
In this year's showcase, the three breeders have standard and spray roses, several Chrysanthemums, and numerous exciting Alstroemeria varieties. Growers and even florists and other buyers, therefore, have an opportunity to evaluate the trio’s different flowers, all in one place.
United Selections' Roses Made With Performance in Mind
For many years, United Selections has been developing varieties that perform well commercially, be it in bouquets, event installations, or retail arrangements. Most of these varieties equally perform exceptionally well in freight consignments heading to international markets.
The breeder’s rose portfolio, which includes both standard and spray roses, featuring the well-regarded Blossoms Series, is an indication of their reliable performance and wide applicability. At IFTEX 2026, roses from these two collections from United Selections are particularly worth checking out.
Among the highlights at IFTEX 2026 will be Red Love, a notable new premium rose variety from the breeder. The red segment usually registers among the strongest demand categories across global markets, and in this new red (Red Love rose), visitors to stand B5.01 will have an early opportunity to see how United Selections approaches this trend.
Rise & Shine is a bright yellow standard rose that has continually remained relevant, drawing industry attention since its introduction. With all its ideal features and the outstanding yellow that remains vibrant in designs and even the vase, this variety possesses a visual impact that works well on different occasions, including everyday bouquets and designed arrangements.
Perhaps most importantly, it performs reliably in production, suitable for growers looking for commercially dependable yellow varieties, a color segment that has traditionally had limited top-performing options.
Snowy Blossoms, on the other hand, belongs to the Blossoms Series, United Selections' spray rose line that now features more than 30 varieties in traditional and garden-shaped forms. This spray rose is a classic white, with well-balanced bud formation, clean coloring, and a perfect presentation on the stem. Its versatility in wedding design, retail, and event floristry has helped it build a stable commercial track record since its introduction.
There will also be several more varieties like Nova Vita, Jumilia, Madam Red, and additional new introductions, which you will likely see for the first time during the fair.
Icon Selections' Chrysanthemums for Varied Market Uses
Colombian Chrysanthemum breeder Icon Selections has a large portfolio that includes spray Chrysanthemums, disbud mums, and Santini varieties. Their partnership with United Selections at IFTEX has steadily grown since they first began working together, with the Nairobi-based fair being a key strong platform for bringing Icon's Chrysanthemum genetics to growers across East Africa and even farther afield.
Globally, Chrysanthemums are among the most commercially significant cut flowers, and Icon Selections has a portfolio of varieties that combine color quality, flower strength, and post-harvest performance. Their Santini types have often attracted attention and interest at floral fairs, for their color range and suitability in mixed arrangements and other designs. At their booth, visitors can see all of Icon’s disbud, spray, and Santini ranges, and even speak one-on-one with the team about production and market fit.
Könst Alstroemeria's Eight Decades of Breeding Expertise on Display
Recently, Könst Alstroemeria marked 80 years of superior breeding, a milestone that mirrors the knowledge behind their variety development. With their genetics now grown in more than 30 countries and production and trial locations in the Netherlands, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Japan, and Kenya, Könst is, without doubt, a global breeder with greater insight. IFTEX 2026, therefore, presents an opportunity to see what this breeder is all about.
Alstroemeria flowers have seen quite a significant change in perception. Yet Könst is one of those whose breeding advances have shaped this narrative, enhancing the use of this flower, once viewed primarily as filler material. It now holds focal flower status in many arrangements.
Könst's varieties are known for their rich color saturation from deep reds to soft pinks, creamy whites, bold yellows, and multicolor patterns. They also have a strong petal structure, long vase life, and distinctive markings that give them design interest across a wide palette. The team is available throughout the fair to help anyone seeking the varieties best suited to their market.
Stand B5.01 Is Worth Your Time at the 2026 IFTEX
For many, the three days of the event often seem like a limited time to canvass the entire fair. It therefore requires one to prioritize what they seek. Fortunately, stand B5.01 has different key products under ‘one roof,’ therefore addressing different needs all at once.
United Selections' roses, Könst's Alstroemerias, and Icon Selections' Chrysanthemums, together give you the pleasant relief of not having to roam from one place to another, looking for any of these varieties. So if you will be at this year's IFTEX, make visiting these three breeders' joint booth a priority. Their teams will be present all three days of the fair.
All photos by United Selections.
