By Victor Okeyo
IFTEX 2025 was a swirl of fragrance and color as the global floriculture industry came together in Kenya for the prestigious trade expo. One booth stood out, not just for the flowers but for its innovations.
“We are breeding the future,” says Edward Mwaura, plant breeder at NIRP International, Kenya’s leading innovator, whose varieties are planted across The world Kenya , Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia, South Africa Uganda ,Colombia, Ecuador China and many other parts . Generally about 350 Ha of new Varieties from Different breeders are planted yearly across the world and Nirp Has great share.
With a strong emphasis on genetics, environmental interaction, and market-responsive breeding, NIRP International leverages data-driven insights to advance sustainable innovation in the floriculture industry.
Renowned especially for its work in Summer flowers and roses, including hybrid tea roses, spray roses, garden roses, intermediate roses, high- and low-altitude-adapted varieties, Edwards says, “We have built a reputation for high-performing, resilient cultivars that respond to changing climate to market needs.”
He further adds that their breeding begins from market demands, ensuring relevance to growers, exporters, and end consumers.
“We use phenotype-environment-genotype models,” says Edward. Meaning, phenotype equals genotype plus environment, and the interaction between the two.
“Simply, a flower’s visible traits, like Productivity, Uniformity, Head size, color, stem strength, are not determined by genetics alone although bigger percentage is genetic. A good variety must perform well in different environments,” he explains.
He further highlights that this is why NIRP International tests their roses in both high- and low-altitude farms, ensuring the final product is resilient, consistent, and export-ready regardless of where it’s grown.
“We conduct trials across a range of altitudes, even as low as 150 to 200 meters above sea level in places like Ghana, and our varieties, such as Amarone, have performed remarkably well Because also of our best genetic germplasm,” Edward explains.
“We collect and compare data from all these environments using specialized applications that allow us to compile everything in one place, helping us make informed breeding decisions based on real-world performance.”
He adds that, “Our breeding process is already advanced. Even so, we’re introducing new technologies like molecular breeding to stay ahead, and we’re applying strategies to shorten the breeding cycle and bring varieties to market faster.”
Speaking of the market, Edward notes that the market is very specific.
“Buyers are looking for clear, vibrant colors; high-yielding varieties that can produce over 200 stems; and large head sizes, ideally around 5.5 centimeters for the premium segment. They also want straight-growing, thornless stems. Looking at our portfolio, we’re confident we’re meeting those expectations and moving in the right direction,” he says.
Coming into the expo, Edward admits that their goal is to make their varieties known globally.
“Our main objective is to create awareness, both among growers and end users, so they can access and appreciate our varieties,” he explains.
“We want buyers to not only understand our products but to truly connect with them.”
Observing the success of IFTEX 2025, Edward says that the industry is headed in the right direction.
“This time around, IFTEX has been big. Many growers have come, many buyers, and many end users,” he says.
He recognizes the competition in the market and says NIRP is committed to continuous improvement.
“This encourages us to do better,” he says.
Doing better not as a company but as an industry, Edward urges, saying, “The world is changing fast, and to keep up, we need to invest in better technology and more precise data.” He emphasizes that well-tested, data-backed varieties give growers confidence and help buyers make informed decisions. From simulating shipment conditions to tracking vase life, every detail matters. Beyond breeding, Edward calls on marketing teams to amplify awareness using all available platforms, ensuring buyers understand the value behind every variety. “With strong research, accurate data, and clear communication, we can shape a more resilient and future-ready floriculture industry.”
At NIRP, we proudly offer some of the best varieties in Hybrid Tea roses. Our top selections include Grand Slam, Angora, Alba, Snow Ballet, and White Angel for white; Miss France, Amarone, Barolo, and Lovely Morning for red; Copacabana and Orange Party for orange; Alchemy and Desert Rose for peach; and Hotspot, Sweetspot, Broadway, Fashion Style, Organza, Fashion Week, and Harlem for pink. For purple, we offer Inevitable and Blueberry, while our top yellow varieties include Fashion Gold, Starion, Goldfury, and Goldmine. In the lavender range, we feature Fashion Pride, Fashion Violet, Avant Garde, and Burlesque. For bicolour and blend, standout varieties include Tiger, Tiger Roar, Carioca, Encanto, Happy, Sunfire, and Water Colour. And many others
In spray roses, we offer a wide selection including Safari Rosever, Twinkle Bride, Classic Rosever, Fragrant Rosever, Tonic Rosever, Queen Rosever, Rouge Rosever, Paris Rosever, Grace Rosever, and many others — all known for their strong performance and unique aesthetics.
Our summer flower collection features a diverse range, including Hydrangeas, Eucalyptus (Yvas), Helichrysum from the Paper Moon series, Tanacetum, Coprosma from the Pacific series, Eryngium, Physocarpus, ferns, Dahlias, Crocosmia, Astilbe, and many more. These varieties reflect our dedication to diversity, quality, and strong seasonal performance.