What makes spray roses different from standard roses?

Spray roses produce multiple smaller heads on a single stem, while standard roses typically have one larger head. This gives spray roses more volume and flexibility in floral arrangements.

Why is demand shifting toward spray roses?

There is a growing preference for spray roses because they offer more visual value per stem. Their multi-head structure allows for fuller arrangements using fewer stems, which appeals to both florists and buyers.

What role does Interplant play in spray rose production?

Interplant Roses provides a wide range of spray rose varieties known for strong color, reliable vase life, and ongoing innovation, making them a key partner for farms like Ziway Roses.

How does Ziway Roses maintain consistent quality in spray roses?

Ziway Roses maintains quality through structured production, daily supply, and a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring both people and processes support consistent output.

Spray Roses at Ziway Roses and Market Demand Shift

At Ziway Roses in Ethiopia, spray roses are not treated as a secondary product. They are central to the farm’s production strategy and increasingly aligned with what the market is asking for. During a recent visit, the scale of this focus became clear through both the greenhouse range and the consistency seen across varieties.

In conversation with Operational Manager Ermiyas Solomon, the discussion covered varietal choices to market demand and the broader position of spray roses today. What emerged was a practical view shaped by daily production and direct exposure to buyer behavior.

Interplant Varieties and a Strong Genetic Base

Spray rose production at Ziway Roses is built on genetics from Interplant Roses. The farm currently grows more than thirty varieties from the breeder, reflecting both depth in assortment and long-term alignment.

The choice is deliberate. Interplant varieties are recognized for strong color expression, reliable vase life, and a steady stream of new introductions. This combination allows the farm to maintain consistency while still responding to changing preferences in the market.

Within this range, certain varieties have proven especially reliable. Spray Rose Fireworks, a bright pink spray rose, is among the standout performers, alongside varieties such as Tralala. Their performance is measured not only by output but also by how they are received once they reach the market.

“There is a shift in demand toward spray roses compared to standard roses.” Reiterated, Ermiyas Solomon

This observation from Ermiyas Solomon reflects a broader movement within the industry. Demand is gradually leaning toward spray roses, and this is visible in how buyers select and purchase at the auction level.

The reasoning is a no-brainer. Spray roses offer multiple heads per stem, creating immediate visual value. For buyers and florists, this translates into fuller arrangements with fewer stems. The structure of the product itself responds to a need for efficiency and impact at the same time. This shift is not about replacing standard roses entirely, but about expanding the role spray roses play in everyday floral work. Their flexibility and presence make them increasingly relevant across different segments of the market.

Supporting Category Growth Through Industry Initiatives

The rising position of spray roses has also been supported by initiatives such as World of Spray Roses. By giving this category a clearer identity and building an enormous brand value consistently. Such platforms contribute to how spray roses are presented and understood across the supply chain.

For growers, this creates additional visibility. For buyers, it builds familiarity and confidence in the product. The result is a more defined space for spray roses within an already competitive market.

A Production System Built on Consistency

At Ziway Roses, production is structured to ensure continuity. Flowers are harvested and delivered on a daily basis, creating a steady supply that supports both auction and direct market needs.

Consistency is not limited to volume. It extends to uniformity and vase life, which remain critical in spray rose production where multiple heads must open evenly. This level of control allows the farm to maintain quality across its assortment while meeting ongoing demand.

Sustainability as the Foundation for Quality

Behind this consistency is a broader investment in sustainability. Ziway Roses has placed clear emphasis on building a system where people, profit, and planet are aligned. This approach is not treated as a separate initiative but as part of how the farm operates daily.

Socially, the focus begins with people. Working conditions, stability, and long-term development of the workforce are prioritized, creating an environment where teams can perform consistently. Environmentally, efforts are directed toward responsible resource use and the maintenance of balance within the production system.

This foundation directly influences the end product. When people are supported and production is managed responsibly, quality follows. In this sense, the strength of Ziway Roses’ spray roses is closely tied to how the farm invests in both its workforce and its environment, enabling sustainable profitability through consistent performance.

Spray roses continue to gain ground, driven by clear market demand and practical advantages in use. At Ziway Roses, this shift is reflected in both scale and focus, supported by strong genetics and a structured production system.

As the category develops further, the combination of consistency, sustainability, and market awareness will remain central. Ziway Roses offers a clear example of how these elements come together, positioning spray roses as a product with both present relevance and future potential.