By Mᴀʀʏ Mᴡᴇɴᴅᴇ,
As we draw the curtains on this year’s IFTEX, there’s a palpable sense of pride in what Kenya’s floriculture industry continues to deliver to the world. Over the past three days, the expo halls have been alive with colour, energy, and the steady hum of conversations that matter: conversations about markets, logistics, varieties, and the future of our farms.
What stood out most this year wasn’t just the beautiful flowers on display, but the resilience of the growers and businesses behind them. In a market environment that continues to test exporters and growers with shifting freight rates, market access hurdles, stricter phytosanitary regulations, tariffs and evolving consumer expectations, the Kenyan flower sector once again showed its ability to stay on its feet and lead.
This year’s edition brought with it new market inquiries, fresh flower varieties, and emerging technologies aimed at streamlining production and improving postharvest quality. Equally important were the candid discussions around persistent industry challenges, including pest management, market diversification, and adapting to new compliance standards. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they’re necessary, and it’s at gatherings like IFTEX where such issues find the right stage.
As we head back to our farms, packhouses, offices, and greenhouses, let’s not leave the momentum here. The deals made, ideas exchanged, and contacts gained at this expo are only valuable if we act on them. Let’s keep the conversations going, strengthen the partnerships formed, and keep building an industry that can hold its ground in any market.