Kenya's blooming flower industry is set to receive a major boost as the country is bracing itself to host the International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) from June 4, 2024, to June 6, 2024.
This will rubberstamp the country's dominance in the sector as it seeks to attract buyers from across the globe. Kenya is among the leading flower producers in the world, exporting to over 60 destinations.
According to the exhibition's organiser Dick Raamsdonk, the event will attract buyers from more than 75 countries including the United States, Europe, Middle East, Asia, South America and other parts of Africa.
IFTEX is regarded as one of the top three flower trade fairs held globally, hence symbolising Kenya's status in hosting the pivotal event.
Further, the event will create value addition and present opportunities for job creation and adoption of advanced technology into the industry.
"The flower industry is like fashion. Consumers are always looking for something new - colours, shapes, names, stem lengths and more," he stated.
"This is an indication Kenya will, in the future, be the major flower business hub."
Kenya Flower Council Chief Executive Officer Clement Tulezi noted that the flower exhibition provides the industry a platform to showcase its products and place Kenya at a great vantage point.
"Innovations and sustainability are the factors keeping our flowers ahead, and the interest in IFTEX from all corners of the world is an indicator of better times to Kenya," he stated.
The floriculture industry in the country is estimated to support over 2 million livelihoods and employ over 100,000 flower farm employees.
Kenya continues to attract investors due to its great infrastructure, favourable climate, technological advantage and productive workforce.
