Nairobi – The first international flower trade expo I.F.T.EX. which was held last week in Nairobi at the Visa Oshwal Community Center turned into a total success. Nobody knew what to expect and it was scepsis that ruled in most of the minds of all who are involved in the flower trade in and with Kenya. But from the moment the trade show was opened by the minister of Agriculture, the Hon.Sally Kosgei, the fair filled itself with both national and international visitors of which to the surprise of many were international flower buyers from Russia, Japan, Holland, Dubai, Qatar, Canada, Bulgaria, Spain,Germany and buyers from many more other countries.
A total of 140 companies exhibited in this first time kenyan flower trade event, representing 17 countries including 67 growers from Kenya. On the part of the visitors a total of 2374 received a three day entry badge at registration.
The winner of the grower competition was Xpressions Flora (Omang) from Kenya and received a Platinum Award for being elected “Best Grower” of the expo. Gold was there for Harvest Flowers, Silver for Magana Flowers and Bronze for Sian Agriflora.
In the breeder competition it was Danziger from Israel who walked away with the Platinum Award for “Best Breeder” of the trade fair. NIRP East Africa Ltd received the Golden Award, Plantas Continental from Spain Silver and Interplant from Holland was awarded with Bronze.
With the success of last weeks expo, Kenya has put itself in one step in the top 5 list of most important cut flower sourcing exhibitions of the world. A new trade event not to be missed anymore by any professional flower buyer. Together with the 67 exhibiting growers and 58 visiting growers from Kenya, who all expressed to surely exhibit next time, the number of expected exhibiting kenyan growers in 2013 will double and make it an even more valuable place to source fresh cut flowers.
Source: HPP Exhibitions