IFTEX is counting down for its 6th edition already, since its initial start back in 2012. The list of exhibiting flower growers has again grown and the total number of exhibitors is almost touching the 200. With still one month to go, it is expected that 225 exhibiting companies will in the end participate in the most important floral trade exhibition of Africa and one of the 5 most important cut flower trade fairs in the world.
From Wednesday June 7 to Friday June 9, buyers will be in Nairobi for the trade fair to source their flower needs for 2017 and 2018.
On Wednesday June 7 the trade fair will open its doors at 11:00 hrs., after the traditional welcome ceremony has been completed. The great majority of the Kenyan flower growers (an estimated 95% of all existing growers) will be exhibiting, but also Ethiopia and Uganda are this year present through country pavilions with flower growers collectively presenting themselves and their fresh products in this joint presentation.
Furthermore, various meetings and social gatherings are being organized by different umbrella organizations, such as the Kenya Flower Council KFC, the International Rose Breeders Organization IRBA and several other organizations and associations. Also commercial companies have scheduled events for their international visiting customers, making IFTEX in that week the center point of the Kenyan Flower Industry around which many commercial and social events are planned.
As already mentioned in earlier issued news bulletins, the organizers are focusing with special dedication on attracting Chinese and US flower buyers to attend this year’s show. Since China and the USA are on the main list of newcomers in regards to countries importing fresh flowers, respectively importing flowers from Africa, it has become key to make sure that these flowers will be Kenya Grown. Also with the recent changes in the world floral distribution channels, it is becoming more and more evident that flowers are finding new ways to their final destination. For this reason it is crucial that Kenyan flowers will be part of these new routings.
