Page 12 - Logistics Update Africa March - April 2024 issue for Website

FEATURE

Can data-driven

insights boost

SUSTAINABILITY

AND REVOLUTIONISE

FLOWER LOGISTICS

By utilising the appropriate KPIs, quality data points, and data analysis, logistics companies are
poised to increase the shelf life of perishable items such as flowers, reports Rajarshi Chatterjee.

n the fast-paced world of global AN OVERVIEW OF THE in sustainability as a strategic business
flower logistics, where each petal FLOWER INDUSTRY priority since 2022, signalling a seismic
holds promise and every bloom The Dutch once held a 50% market share shift in industry priorities. It is within this
I is a delicate masterpiece, efforts in the global flower industry, but new context that the transformative potential of
to extend the shelf life of flowers have contenders emerged, such as Kenya, data-driven decisions begins to unfold.
always been of great importance. Amidst Ethiopia, Colombia, and Ecuador. With
these endeavours, data-backed insights enormous efforts, these countries are now IMPACT OF DATA ON
have recently emerged as a new source of challenging the Dutch hegemony. Despite SUSTAINABILITY
hope. Now, the question is whether data- the competition, the Netherlands remains Imagine the vast fields of roses swaying
driven decisions can truly revolutionise a major player in the industry, thanks to its gently in the African breeze, their
the way we view flowers, transforming reputation for high-quality flowers and a journey from farm to vase meticulously
them from perishable items to non- robust network of wholesalers and exporters. orchestrated by a symphony of data. With
perishable ones. In recent years, Kenya has seen access to the right set of key performance
With the Flower Logistics Africa significant growth in its flower export, with indicators (KPIs) and quality data,
conference happening on March 27th cut-flowers becoming its second-largest logistics giants can navigate the ebb and
at Emara Ole-Sereni, Nairobi, Kenya, export after tea. Currently, 40% of all roses flow of market demand with precision,
this article sheds light on the critical sold in the European Union are supplied capitalising on every supply dip and
importance of data intelligence and by Kenya. demand spike. Data-based insights
data-driven decision-making in the world Amidst this backdrop of market can also help these companies enhance
of flower logistics. It also explores how evolution, the significance of sustainability storage and cold-storage integrity along
leveraging data is a game-changer that surged to the forefront. Gartner's CEO with finding efficient logistical options
not only enhances sustainability but also survey revealed a remarkable 292% uptick like ocean freights.
maximises the shelf life of perishable items
like flowers.

10 LUA MARCH - APRIL 2024