Bʏ Mᴀsɪʟᴀ Kᴀɴʏɪɴɢɪ
October 30, 2025
It’s a bit of a mystery where most Kenyan growers are at this very moment. Maybe you’re already in Holland, breathing in that crisp autumn air, or still wrestling with your suitcase zippers, or even midair somewhere over the Sahara (hopefully not still filling out your visa form at
30,000 feet). One thing, however, is certain: by the time you’re flipping through the 44th edition of Floriweek, the heartbeat of the global flower industry will be thumping loudly in Aalsmeer.
As for me, you’ll have to enjoy the fair without my physical company this time. Not because the Dutch embassy shut its doors or my wallet suddenly caught the flu, but simply because my calendar has been packed tighter than a cargo hold of roses. Still, my spirit, my heart and yes, my scrolling thumb are with you. Keep those updates flowing on Facebook, X, and TikTok, and I’ll be there virtually, cheering you on. When you are back, I owe you all a cappuccino (or two) for every like I give!
This week’s Floriweek captures that global pulse. From the upcoming Trade Fair Aalsmeer and IFTF 2025; two unmissable gatherings that define international floriculture to Kenya’s own policy and research frontiers, everything converges around one theme: transformation.
Dr. Bimal Kantaria’s call for urgent regulatory reforms reminds us that Kenya’s competitiveness must not be dimmed by rising export levies and compliance costs. Meanwhile, advances such as Kenya’s National Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program signal a nation investing in trust, transparency, and market confidence.
Innovation remains central to this evolution. Verpixo 100 SC introduces a new generation of targeted fungicide technology for healthier roses, while the emerging use of resveratrol in managing soil alkalinity underscores the growing intersection between science and sustainability.
And as global breeding shifts toward tailored varieties, growers are learning that the future belongs to flowers designed for both beauty and resilience.
As the world gathers in Holland, Kenya’s growers are not just participants, they are partners shaping the global floriculture story. Welcome to Floriweek 44 and to another season of growth, innovation, and global connection.
See you soon, and may your blooms be bold, your stands packed, and your deals sweet as ever!