The 23rd Kunming International Flowers & Plants Expo (KIFE & IFEX), held from September 19–21, 2025, reaffirmed Kunming’s reputation as the beating heart of Asia’s horticultural trade. More than 60,000 square meters of innovation, artistry, and global networking were filled by exhibitors from the Netherlands, France, the UK, and beyond.
Do You Know Why Yunnan Is Strategically the Best Location?
A standout presence was Yuxi De Ruiter Flower Co., Ltd., the Chinese branch of Dutch breeder De Ruiter. Since its founding in the early 2000s in Yuxi, Yunnan, the company has been committed to introducing and localizing high-performing rose varieties for the Chinese market. Yuxi (玉溪) is a prefecture-level city in Yunnan Province, China, about 90 km south of Kunming.
It’s known for its mild climate, fertile soil, and strong agricultural base. The area has become important for flower cultivation, especially roses, thanks to its altitude and favorable growing conditions.
That’s why De Ruiter established Yuxi De Ruiter Flower Co., Ltd. there in 2005, to test, trial, and introduce new rose varieties directly in China’s floral heartland. At this year’s expo, Yuxi De Ruiter showcased not only its latest rose innovations but also its business-minded approach, connecting breeding expertise with the realities of China’s dynamic flower trade.
What Was the Expo for Yuxi De Ruiter About?
Their booth quickly became a hub for Chinese growers, distributors, and floral retailers, all seeking high-yield, disease-resistant varieties with striking colors and petal forms. From cut flowers to potted options, Yuxi De Ruiter demonstrated how new genetics can be translated into profitable opportunities across multiple segments of the floral value chain.
What Were the Key Highlights of This Year’s Flower and Plant Expo?
France took the spotlight as the Guest Country of Honor, bringing an impressive showcase of roses, cyclamen, and fruit trees. Their presence underlined the country’s rich horticultural tradition and innovative breeding work, drawing much attention from international visitors.
Alongside the main exhibition, visitors could explore specialized co-located expos dedicated to tropical plants and berries. These side events highlighted niche markets that continue to grow in demand and importance worldwide.
The event also placed a strong focus on knowledge-sharing through its Professional Forums. Topics such as new plant variety protection, smart agricultural technology, and digital transformation in horticulture were discussed by global experts, offering attendees valuable insights into the industry’s future. For Yuxi De Ruiter, these discussions aligned with their strategy: ensuring intellectual property, adapting to local infrastructure, and leveraging digital tools to expand market reach.
Equally important were the Business Opportunities the expo created. Through matchmaking sessions and direct networking, growers, breeders, and floral professionals could meet industry leaders and forge connections that are bound to shape new collaborations.
On the cultural side, the expo celebrated flowers as an experience. Interactive floral art, live master florist demonstrations, and the exhibition of the “Top 10 Famous Flowers of Yunnan” ensured that attendees not only learned but also felt inspired by the beauty of flowers and plants.
This year’s edition once again proved how exhibitions can combine business, innovation, and culture, making them a powerful place to be for the entire floral chain.
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Looking Ahead
The strategic location of Yunnan, with its biodiversity, ideal climate, and role as a flower distribution hub, provided the perfect stage. Deals initiated at Kunming Expo are expected to grow into long-term partnerships and contracts, cementing Yuxi De Ruiter’s position as both a breeding leader and a business builder in China. Creating Flower Business is De Ruiter's baseline, and that's exactly what the message was for Yuxi De Ruiter: "Let's shape the Future of China's Floral Industry.
