‘We mainly export to Russia, Australia and the Middle East’
How is the business running so far this year?
“Subati Flowers is doing well, the production is increasing as we now have farms in both Naivasha and Nakuru. In total we cut about 180.000 stems every day. We are planning to expand our surface with ten hectares so this average will definitely increase in the future. Also we just started with growing herbs on a new piece of low altitude land. It is important to diversify in order to spread the risks. The last couple of months we struggled with the climate. We didn’t receive enough rain during the rainy season and at the moment it is way too cold during the nights.”
Which obstacles do you encounter?
“Besides the unpredictable climate we have to deal with other external factors that we cannot control, like the demand for roses on the global market and currency fluctuations. For example, the Russian Rouble devaluated and this logically makes our roses more expensive to buy and because we export a lot to Russia, this immediately impacts our company.”
The deadline for the ratification of the economic partnership agreement (EPA) between Kenya and the European Union is the 1st of October. How do you think about these agreements?
“The EPA needs to be signed by the heads of state of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, but Tanzania might not sign any time soon. If the agreement won’t be ratified, we think the influence on Subati Flowers will be minimal. Our roses are not going to the auctions in Europe and we mainly export to Russia, Australia and the Middle East. Looking at the bigger picture, we do hope that it will be signed though. Otherwise it would have large negative consequences on our country and its economy.”
The flower farms surrounding Lake Naivasha have received some negative attention in the press the last couple of years. In what way does this effect your business?
“Especially the farms located next to the lake are being criticized because of the water they pump from the lake, possible pollution which could impact the local Maasai population and conditions for workers. However, a lot already has improved due to strict rules and regulations. It never impacted our company because our farms are located far from the lake, and we only use rain water that we harvest ourselves.”
What do you like most about your work?
“We are happy that we bought this company together some years ago and to now lead our own family company. Every day brings new challenges, we never get bored. We deal with different kinds of diseases and climate changes and we try to innovate as much as possible. And also it is very nice to always work in the clean and fresh air, as our farms are on 2300 meters above sea level.”
About Ravi Patel and Naren Patel
Company: Subati Flowers, Nakuru and Naivasha, Kenya
Job: Directors
Most important market: Russia, Australia, Middle East
Sales: 100% direct sales
Assortment: spray and hybrid roses
Staff members: 1700
Surface: 50 hectares in Nakuru and 30 hectares in Naivasha
