Rhodos takes center-stage at IFTEX 2015
In the Best Flowers Quality Awards for Breeders under the category of Roses, the Platinum Award was clinched by De Ruiter East Africa Ltd with the standard rose “Rhodos”. De Ruiter East Africa’s red rose Rhodos, took center-stage during this year’s IFTEX with elaborate displays and much attention from show visitors. Rhodos is a premium rose with a clean red hue and good shape. The rose enjoys significant market presence and is currently regarded as one of the best reds out of Africa. Rhodos has an average stem lenght of 80cm and above, and a vaselife of up to 15 days. It grows a headsize of average 5cm at 1700 altitude.
New Name for DNA Green Group
DNA Green Group has a new name: Dümmen Orange. The company revealed the new name, the logo and the brand values of the company at all facilities in 16 countries on Thursday April 23. The well-known corporate brands Lex+, Bartels, Terra Nigra, Dümmen Group, Agribio China, Agribio Colombia, Oro, PLA as well as the production locations are changed their identity immediately to Dümmen Orange. Other established brands like Rijnplant, Ecke, Oglevee, Red Fox, Fides, Japan Agribio and Barberet& Blanc will convert over limited time. Biense Visser (CEO) “All companies, that have been acquired, have a rich and successful history. We have always tried to respect that heritage. Doing so, we created confusion for our customers. Our employees expressed a preference for a more uniform approach to the market too. That is what we have chosen for the strategy with one large umbrella brand that embraces the entire product portfolio. Dümmen Orange will therefore take the place of all these established names.”
Introducing Felicia by Brown Breeding
South American breeding company Brown Breeding was present at the IFTEX 2015 show through their East African representatives, Preesman. Together they introduced Felicia BB. Felicia BB is a Bicolor rose currently being grown at Eldoret based farm Zena Roses on a quarter acre. The rose has an average head size of 5.5cm – 6cm and opens slowly at the vase. Felicia BB is slightly fragrant when it opens. At an altitude of 2,200 the average production is 160-170 stems/sq m. The flower grows a thick stem of average 40-60cm and has a vaselife of up to 14 days.
New Orleans Win Gold Award at IFTEX 2015
Preesman Kenya Ltd lavender, NEW ORLEANS won the gold award at the IFTEX . The variety distinguishes itself because of the great vaselife performance, equal opening and strong color.
Kordes Roses Introduces Evita®
At the IFTEX show, among the rose varieties Kordes Roses showcased was Evita®, one of their 2015 novelties noted to be similar yet more productive than their well known winning variety, Athena® The medium sized Evita is a premium white with good production, a long stem and other notable growing and trade characteristics. Evita at a glance Production of stems/ m²/a 240-280 Stem length 40-60 cm Vaselife 18 days.
The Olij Long Island Scoops Bronze Award
Long Island, a white/cream standard rose from Olij Breeding scooped the Bronze award in the roses category for The Best Flowers Quality Awards for Breeders. Long Island is a productive rose variety with very good vase life. At the recently held IFTEX 2015, the Olij breeding team had a busy but productive week, hosting East African rose growers at their stand during the show.
New Pink Rose Flower Named After First Lady.
A new pink rose flower named ‘Lady Margaret’, after the First Lady, was launched during an international flower expo in Nairobi recently. Florists are optimistic that the flower, developed for a period of 10 years before introduction to the market, will increase their earnings. “The rose is eye-catching. The colour pink reflects your vibrant personality,” Netherlands Ambassador to Kenya Joost Reintjes told the first lady while presenting a bouquet.
My Pink™ of Danziger takes first place at the best breeder competition.
During the IFTEX Nairobi exhibition, Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm won first prize at the best flowers quality award for breeders competition for the magnificent My Pink™. The Danziger My Pink™ is an attractive & unique pink Gypsohpila, with a large and voluminous inflorescence. Its perfect round-shaped pink flower is an ideal addition to any arrangement or bouquet giving a special touch of color. My Pink™ has erect branches which are easy to separate from the bunch and are very convenient for use in floral arrangements.
Preesman Holds Successful Open Days
Preesman held several open days. They started with Ethiopia at Joytech PLC, subsequently in Kenya, Zena Thika for low altitude and then Nakuru, the main facility for both high and low altitude varieties. Because of a lot of visitors, great team efforts and very positive comments on their assortment it resulted in some excellent (open) days. Those who could not visit, are invited to visit when they can.