Page 13 - LUA March-April 2025

streamlined export procedures have
helped Kenyan flowers become a mainstay
Kenyan roses being
carefully picked at PJ in European markets, particularly via
Dave Flower Group's Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
farm near Nairobi, Despite this growth, challenges remain.
ready for export to
global markets. A January 2025 report by COLEAD,
funded by the EU, points to regulatory
barriers, high domestic taxes, and rising
global competition. It recommends Kenyan
growers diversify beyond Europe, build
direct retailer relationships, and adopt
hybrid freight methods combining air and
sea transport. Demand is rising in regions
like the Middle East and Kazakhstan, the
latter increasingly sourcing from Kenya due
to reduced trade with Russia.
Roses account for 66% of Kenya’s flower
exports, typically flown from Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport (JKIA). However, sea
freight is gaining traction for cost efficiency
and sustainability, especially for longer
routes. Additionally, Kenya’s summer flower
segment—now 30% of total production—is
booming. Flowers like Limonium and
Alstroemeria are growing in popularity,
particularly in Gulf countries. Initiatives
Photo: Rajarshi Chatterjee program are helping Kenyan growers add
such as the Dutch Flower Group’s PASA

value by packing bouquets at source.
Similarly, Stanislas Brun, Vice President
Cargo at Etihad Cargo, described the
country as "one of the most dynamic air
cargo markets in Africa, offering strong
strategic trade partnerships and logistical export potential across multiple sectors."
improvements. This shift underscores the He highlights that Etihad Cargo supports
evolving dynamics of the global flower Kenya’s thriving floriculture industry,
industry, where emerging markets are moving over 500 tonnes of fresh flowers
playing an increasingly vital role in meeting from Nairobi to Europe for this year’s
worldwide demand. Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day through
According to IATA, several factors six dedicated charter flights. "Kenya’s
have fueled this growth. Trade agreements floriculture and fresh produce industries
have lowered tariffs and eased market give it a unique position in global trade,
access, allowing African flower exporters During high-demand supplying markets worldwide with
to compete globally. At the same time, periods, such as premium-quality exports," he added. Etihad
advancements in air cargo technology— Cargo alone transports approximately 95
particularly in refrigeration and logistics— Valentine’s Day, we tonnes of flowers from Nairobi each week,
have made it possible to transport delicate add extra capacity ensuring global distribution through its
flowers across continents while maintaining to meet market and Abu Dhabi hub.
freshness and quality. These developments Similarly, Zlatko Zlatic, Head of Cargo
have strengthened Kenya and Ethiopia’s customers’ needs. Sales and Handling - Eastern Africa at
positions as floral powerhouses and led ZLATKO ZLATIC Lufthansa Cargo, sees tremendous potential
to increased specialisation, allowing each LUFTHANSA CARGO in Kenya’s trade and logistics. "Trade in
country to leverage its unique advantages in Kenya closely depends on the country's
the global supply chain. Between 2003 and 2024, it expanded agricultural and economic development.
its global market share by leveraging As we are currently seeing a lot of
KENYA’S METEORIC RISE climate advantages, trade agreements, and infrastructural development, we estimate
Kenya has long been a key exporter of improved logistics. Investments in advanced significant potential in logistics as well," he
cut flowers, especially roses, to Europe. irrigation, specialised flower farms, and notes. Lufthansa Cargo plays a crucial role

MARCH - APRIL 2025 LUA 11