What would you attribute your success to considering you indicated the inaugural show exceeded expectations?
The fact that Kenya is one of the countries in the world where the production area of flowers structurally increases is a strong indicator that the sector -overall- is in a good shape. Moreover, growth in a worldwide economical turmoil shows that the sector has to row against the stream and still moves forward. This cannot mean anything different than strength for even more growth when coming into calm waters. Therefore IFTEX is an excellent instrument for the Kenyan floriculture Industry to support and accelerate this growth.
What has been your most ‘unexpected’ occurrence at the show?
I was 100% confident that this trade fair could not fail and would be a “full house”. The only big unknown factor was how to convince the Kenyan growers that this would work if they just would believe in it. Never before in my career of organising flower trade expos anywhere else in the world, I had so many excellent building parts in my hand to create the almost ‘perfect’ flower trade exhibition, I am even tempted to call it. Being a flower trade expo specialist, I got very excited the moment I added it all up and suddenly visualized the ideal place for an African flower trade expo could, would and should be Kenya and Kenya only. I then decided to hold as many meetings with the growers as needed until they would be convinced to give it a try and take a booth. It was somehow still unexpected though when I finally I managed to get enough on board. The rest as they say is history. Growers from the region have also joined the show.
Do you expect a bigger IFTEX 2016? Why, if yes?
Yes, IFTEX will definitely grow in its fifth edition this year. Not only because of many more Kenyan growers who want to exhibit this time, but also exhibitors wanting to display in bigger stands.
Furthermore, IFTEX is bound to become a regional event, hosting growers from other African flower producing countries that are too small on its own to hold such event. And I mentioned in my first year, I expected IFTEX to become the Africa’s flower grower trade fair within a few years, becoming the sourcing market for the world for any African fresh cut flowers. Today it is among the top global flower trade show. What can you single out as the most outstanding feature of IFTEX Nairobi in terms of exhibitions and visitors? The only event where you can meet all flower growers in their back yard at the same time and place, with its buyers. When you first spoke on IFTEX Nairobi, you said it had potential to grow into the largest flower fair in the world. What are the other big events in the world, and why do you foresee Kenya beating them in days ahead. The other big cut flowers trade events are in Ecuador, Colombia, Germany and Holland. Kenya has joined this list and become a serious competitor for the number one position. Compare it if you like with the world cup. What kind of feedback did HPP get from those the fair targeted last year? Is it the same group that is expected in 2016? Can you point one good example of something that has happened because of the fair? Feedback has been positive; above expectations and the most important outcome is confidence in the future of the fair. There will be many new international exhibitors as well signing up. Furthermore most, if not all exhibitors have been repeat exhibitors, in many occasions, bigger sized stands. The most important thing that has happened in the fair and which actually did happen is the change from doubt in belief that flower buyers did fly in and did attend the expo. What is new in 2016? The ‘only’ thing that will be new is: everything more & bigger!!! In addition, KFC celebrates their 20 years and will have more activities during the fair. As an investor in Kenya, what is your view on business climate, what are the most challenging encounters, and how would you suggest that things be done differently or improved? As an investor you need a stable economical and political environment. Only then an investor is willing to keep on investing, especially foreign investors and then can a country expect more jobs and consequently a better lifestyle for its citizens.