The floriculture industry is always on the move and nowhere was this more evident than at the De Ruiter East Africa (DREA) Open Days, in Naivasha, Kenya.
The three-day event drew growers, industry experts, and floral enthusiasts eager to explore the latest in rose breeding.
Beyond the stunning display of varieties, the Open Days served as a key forum for knowledge exchange, market insights, and future-focused discussions on rose cultivation.
Staying informed about the best-performing varieties is crucial for growers. The Open Days gave attendees a rare opportunity to interact directly with De Ruiter’s breeders and experts, gaining hands-on insights into the latest breeding innovations. From vase life to market suitability, growers are left with valuable information to help them make informed decisions about their next investments.
According to De Ruiter’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Rohit Patil, the company is committed to developing roses that not only meet aesthetic expectations but also offer resilience, high yield, and market adaptability. The Open Days highlighted this approach, showcasing varieties suited for different climatic conditions and market segments.
Standout Rose Varieties That Caught Growers’ Attention
Among the many roses on display, a few varieties sparked particular excitement:
- Rose Emira® – Noted for its larger buds and strong production potential, this variety gained significant attention from growers looking to expand their selections.
- Rose AlpinaRosa® – A newcomer that made waves with its elegant white petals and slender buds, ideal for retail markets, weddings and formal floral arrangements.
- Rose Ever Red® – Already a grower favourite, this deep red variety drew renewed interest for its high yield and universal appeal.
- Rose Revolution® –with its fiery crimson petals and stems reaching up to 70 cm and a 16-day vase life, it was one of the most talked-about varieties. Its ability to thrive at different altitudes makes it an attractive option for many growers.
- Rose Trivia® – A light pink, thornless variety that remains a top pick for bridal bouquets due to its soft, romantic tones.
- Rose Mysterious® – A cerise-coloured variety that has been in the market for some time but saw renewed interest at the Open Days.
Beyond the single-stem varieties, De Ruiter’s Dimension® series of spray roses turned heads, particularly Spray Rose Peach Dimension®, which attracted attention for its rich hues and abundant clusters. Other noteworthy varieties included Rose Ever Pink®, Rose Mia®, Rose Fluence®, Rose Comanche®, and Rose Morning Light®, each offering unique qualities that appealed to different grower needs.
While the rose showcase was the focal point, the Open Days were also about connection and collaboration. Growers, distributors, and floral professionals engaged in discussions on best practices, market trends, and breeding innovations. Informal networking sessions allowed seasoned growers to exchange insights with newer industry players, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
For many, the event was an opportunity to discuss strategies for optimizing production, improving post-harvest handling, and selecting varieties that align with market demands. With De Ruiter’s commitment to ongoing research and development, attendees were also given a glimpse into future varieties still in the trial phase, the potential game-changers for the industry.
De Ruiter’s continuous innovation ensures that each Open Day brings something new to the table, keeping the industry dynamic and forward-thinking.
For those who missed out, the message was clear: attending the next De Ruiter Open Days will be an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to groundbreaking rose varieties and invaluable industry insights.
