ʙʏ Vɪᴄᴛᴏʀ Oᴋᴇʏᴏ,
IFTEX 2025, held from June 3-5 at the Visa Oshwal Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, was the 12th edition of the International Floriculture Trade Expo. A key trade exhibition for flowers and plants in Africa, the expo attracted industry professionals from over 75 countries.
The event, described as the “biggest one yet,” by Dick van Raamsdonk, president of HPP Exhibitions, the organizers behind IFTEX, saw first-time exhibitors, from breeders, growers to logistical parts of the value chain.
Among them was EFL Global, a freight forwarding company. Although EFL has been in Kenya for over 20 years, its perishables division, which has been in operation for only five years, is emerging as a powerhouse in Kenya’s Perishable Logistics.
“Our infrastructure, innovations in cold chain logistics, and global reach set us ahead of the competition, and what better place to showcase our brand than IFTEX 2025?” says Lasitha Perera, Manager-Business Development & Commercial.
Shift in industry trends from air freight to sea freight, which is environmentally sustainable, has necessitated innovation in industry processes, “… to move your perishables, let’s say from Kenya to Australia.”
“We provide vacuum cooling services in partnership with Swissport, our ground handling agent, and cold chain integration, especially for long-distance markets, maintaining the integrity of our customers’ products,” says Mr. Lasitha.
Due to its global positioning, EFL Global appeals to not only large exporters but also smallholder farmers.
“As high freight rates limit access to international markets, we leverage our global GSA (General Sales Agent) role to negotiate better rates and bring in more freighters, enabling smallholder growers to remain competitive despite high freight costs,” he highlights.
This affirms the company’s goal of getting the best rates from airlines and shipping companies to ensure the survival of smallholder growers in the continuously turbulent logistics market, which limits access to international markets.
Besides the company’s established global infrastructure, Mr. Lasitha applauds the improved road networks connecting flower farms in South Rift and Central Kenya, including towns like Nakuru, Naivasha, and Nanyuki.
“The upcoming Nairobi-Mombasa highway, due in 2027 will further enhance the movement of goods to the port,” he says.
He further adds that the company is aiming to expand to Mombasa as an alternative logistics hub.
“We already have an airline office at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, and we want to build on that—to give our customers cold-room services in Mombasa. That way, they can transport their products in minimal time and ship out from there, especially when Nairobi’s capacity gets too constrained,” he says.
Mr. Lasitha further highlights the need for a review of logistical policies to ensure sustainability and protect smallholders.
“For smallholder growers and exporters, increased levies reduce profit margins and limit access to emerging markets,” he says, calling on policymakers to streamline taxation regimes and provide incentives that support export-oriented horticulture.
Moreover, as technology continues to dominate the value chain, Mr. Lasitha applauds the government’s support for the shift.
“We can see how KEPHIS, through E-Phyto, and other governing bodies are supporting this,” he says.
EFL Global’s growing footprint and innovation point to new opportunities. However, the broader logistics ecosystem remains fragile without deliberate reforms and expanded freight options.
“The industry’s resilience will depend on how quickly stakeholders align on smarter, fairer, and more sustainable logistics solutions,” says Mr. Lasitha.