Union Fleurs, the International Flower Trade Association, has recently elected a new President and Board of Directors on the occasion of its Annual General Meeting held in San Remo, Italy on 14 April 2018. The new Union Fleurs Board of Directors will work for the next two years (2018-2020) under the leadership of Richard Fox (Kenya) as President of Union Fleurs, with the close support of Frank Zeiler (Germany) as Vice-President.
Reflecting the global reach of Union Fleurs and its unique position as the representative organisation for the international floricultural trade, the new Union Fleurs Board is made of a very international team, with the following representatives:
- Richard Fox, President (Kenya Flower Council, Kenya)
- Frank Zeiler, Vice-President and Chairman of the EU section (BGI, Germany)
- Matthijs Mesken, Chairman World Trade Committee (VGB, the Netherlands)
- Augusto Solano, Chairman Americas Committee (Asocolflores, Colombia)
- Martin Estad, Chairman Pot Plants Committee (Flora Dania, Denmark)
- Paolo di Massa, Relationship Manager (ANCEF, Italy)
In the 60 years of history of the organisation, it is the first time that the Presidency of the association goes to a representative from a non-European country, as noted by Richard Fox during his introductory speech as new President of Union Fleurs. This adequately reflects ongoing developments in the floriculture supply-chain at global levels which has seen in recent years an intensification of the role played by flower businesses operating in or sourcing from origin countries in Africa and South America.
Richard Fox is the current chairman of the Kenya Flower Council ; he has been extensively involved in the Kenyan horticultural sector for the past 25 years and has played a leading role in the promotion of socially and environmentally sustainable business practices in the industry. He has been serving on the Union Fleurs Board of Directors since 2008, holding the position of Vice-President since 2014.
About Union Fleurs
Union Fleurs is the international umbrella organization representing and promoting the worldwide interests of national associations and companies active in the floricultural trade (cut flowers, foliage and pot plants). It is based in Brussels and has nowadays members in 20 countries worldwide (in Europe, Africa, Middle-East, South and North America, and Asia). Within its membership, Union Fleurs gathers over 3.000 companies active in the trade of cut flowers and pot plants worldwide, of which more than 1,500 floricultural traders and wholesalers in the EU. Members account for more than 80% of the total value of the worldwide trade of cut flowers and pot plants.
