Flower growers in Kenya are seeking to consolidate new markets in Asia and the US as airlines begin direct flights to these destinations.
Cut flower exports to these new markets now account for up to 10 per cent of total flower exports annually, according to the Horticultural Crops Development Authority. Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US are among the new buyers taking up more of the Kenyan produce.
Mainland Europe still takes nearly 90 per cent of cut flower exports from Kenya and remains the country’s single-most biggest export market.
“The European market is recovering now and other markets are looking good. Newly started direct flights to South Korea, which is just an hour to Japan, will reduce flight time and preserve the quality of flowers,” said Alfred Serem, the HCDA managing director.
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