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Ethiopia is known for its colourful and fragrant flowers, which it exports to the world. Its horticulture sector is the world’s fifth-largest. But it’s facing a major crisis due to the escalating violence in the northern Amhara region. The conflict, which pits federal troops against local militias, has disrupted the operations of many flower farms, threatening their productivity and profitability. Ethiopia’s flower industry generated over $650 million in revenue in 2022, according to the country’s horticulture association. The bulk of its exports are fresh-cut roses, which are in high demand for occasions like Christmas, and Valentine’s Day in Western countries. Last year, Ethiopia exported millions of kilograms of flowers to the European market during Valentine’s Day alone. The peak season for flower exports runs from December to June. But this year, it may be severely affected by the conflict in the Amhara region, which is home to many flower plantations.

Violence has engulfed the Amhara region since August, when local militants launched a rebellion against the federal government, accusing it of marginalizing and oppressing the Amhara people. The federal troops have responded with a fierce crackdown, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of displacements. The conflict has also disrupted the supply chains, transport networks, and security of the flower farms, forcing many of them to halt or reduce their activities. The Amhara regional government said it had lost up to $45 million, mostly from flower exports, alongside massive layoffs, since the start of the conflict.

Kenya’s flower industry has long been known for its significant contribution to the global floral export market, primarily centered around the cultivation of roses and other flowers that thrive in the country’s mild and favorable climate. However, there’s currently a noticeable shift occurring within the industry as Kenya embraces the cultivation of summer flowers, marking a promising expansion in its floral portfolio. Thanks to its abundant sunshine and conducive climate, Kenya is now venturing into year-round summer flower cultivation.

The remarkable growth of Kenya’s flower industry can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the country’s climate, fertile soils, and the dedication and expertise of its flower growers. Historically, the industry’s focus has revolved around flowers such as roses, carnations, and lilies, with roses taking a dominant position. Nonetheless, the landscape is evolving as an increasing number of small-scale growers recognize the beauty, quality, and profitability of summer flowers, which can complement traditional rose bouquets. Unlike Northern Europe, where summer flowers are typically grown during the summer months, Kenya’s climate allows them to thrive throughout the year.

The impetus behind the cultivation of summer flowers in Kenya is palpable, with growers increasingly drawn to these captivating blooms.

At IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show 2023 in Anaheim California, the fresh produce industry gathered to network, learn, inspire and to discuss the state of the fresh produce industry. Globally, the industry faces many challenges at present as weather extremes, geopolitical tensions and the ever-decreasing and more expensive workforce is affecting players along the fresh produce supply chain. Luckily, with the numerous technological innovations and exciting new products being developed, the future remains full of opportunities for the fresh produce industry.

Navigating between greater uncertainty and higher quality
Weather extremes are the talk of the town
The many weather extremes affecting supplies and prices around the world, were one of the main topics of discussion at the IFPA2023 (International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show 2023). Some of the many fruits impacted by recent weather disruptions are blueberries, table grapes, and stone fruit. While visitors of the show were offered a range of the finest berries, blueberries were absent in many US supermarkets during the month of October. After years of growth, Peru’s shipments have declined significantly in the marketing year 2023/24 due to a warm winter that negatively impacted yields. While this is one of the many outcomes of El Niño, in the longer run, the industry expects continuing growth in blueberry exports.

The International Plant Fair is breaking new ground. IPM ESSEN will exclusively take over the marketing of the Vietnamese horticultural trade fair HortEx in the DACH region and other nations. The world’s leading trade fair for horticulture is thus expanding its international network to include another future market. Due to increasing urbanization, the demand for flowers and plants in Southeast Asia is also growing.

The Dutch company Nova Exhibitions B.V. and its Vietnamese partner Minh Vi Exhibition & Advertisement Co., Ltd. are the organizers of HortEx Vietnam. The next edition will take place from 13 to 15 March 2024 at the SECC Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City. IPM ESSEN will exclusively manage the acquisition of exhibitors from the DACH region and other nations with high relevance in the global horticultural market, such as Italy and Ecuador. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding states that the parties are aiming for a long-term partnership beyond 2026.

“We are very pleased that we have succeeded in taking a further step towards the internationalization of the world’s leading trade fair for horticulture. With this cooperation, we are demonstrating our presence in a rapidly growing market and enabling companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland in particular to establish new contacts and business relationships,” said Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, at the signing of the cooperation agreement.