Kenya’s Flower Industry Defies Global Pressures as IFTEX 2026 Hits Record Participation

Kenya’s floriculture industry is showing renewed resilience and global competitiveness despite mounting geopolitical and logistical challenges, as preparations for the 13th edition of the International Floriculture Trade Expo (IFTEX) 2026 gather momentum.

Organisers have announced a record-breaking 210 exhibitors for this year’s event, set to take place from June 2 to 4 up from 189 in 2025, marking the highest participation in the expo’s history and signaling growing international confidence in Kenya’s flower sector.

Speaking during the official pre-IFTEX media launch, HPP International Group CEO Dick van Raamsdonk described the exhibition as a key indicator of global industry trends.

“IFTEX has become a true barometer for the global flower trade. In a year when many industries are cautious, this level of participation sends a strong message—the sector is resilient, confident, and forward-looking. “IFTEX no longer just showcases flowers; it showcases the future of the industry,” he said.

He noted that nearly 20 percent of the exhibitors are new entrants, highlighting continued expansion and diversification. Since 2023, exhibitor numbers have grown from 159 to 210, a one-third increase in just three years.

The expo comes at a critical time for Kenya’s flower industry, one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners. According to the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), the sector generated approximately KSh. 110 billion in export earnings in 2025, contributing 1.5 percent to GDP and supporting over one million livelihoods, more than 60 percent of them women.

KFC, through its Membership Engagement and Communications Manager Lina Jamwa, described the industry as a continental success story.

“Kenya is not simply participating in global floriculture. Kenya is leading it. With the right partnerships and policies, the country can become the undisputed global leader in sustainable floriculture,” she said.

However, the industry is grappling with rising operational pressures. Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, alongside supply chain disruptions and soaring freight costs, have significantly increased the cost of doing business.

KFC reports that air freight costs have risen sharply from about USD 3.10 to nearly USD 5.00 per kilogram, pushing logistics expenses to as much as 60 percent of export costs during peak seasons.

The council estimates that approximately USD4 million worth of flower exports are at risk weekly, with some farms experiencing revenue losses of up to 75 percent due to shipment delays and perishability challenges.

If disruptions persist, industry projections warn of export losses exceeding USD 15 million per month and potential job losses of up to 50,000.

Despite these challenges, Kenya continues to dominate the regional floriculture market. The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reports that the country exported horticultural produce worth KSh143.78 billion in 2025, with cut flowers accounting for 62 percent of total export value. Kenya currently exports flowers to 143 global markets, with roses making up about 69 percent of total exports.

Acting AFA Director General Calistus Kundu emphasised the sector’s importance to the economy.

“IFTEX 2026 provides a strategic platform to reinforce Kenya’s leadership in floriculture while building confidence among global investors,” he said.

Efforts to strengthen competitiveness are also underway through enhanced phytosanitary compliance and digital certification systems.

Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Director of Phytosanitary and Biosecurity Services Dr. Isaac Macharia said adherence to international standards remains critical.

“Compliance is not just a regulatory requirement. It is Kenya’s key competitive advantage. We are strengthening systems to support trade, protect markets, and facilitate industry growth,” he said.

Kenya currently commands about 38 percent of the European Union’s rose market and is actively expanding into emerging markets in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Organisers say IFTEX 2026 will serve not only as a global trading platform for growers, exporters, and buyers, but also as a strategic forum to address key challenges facing the industry, including sustainability, logistics, and market diversification.

As one of the world’s leading specialised flower trade fairs, IFTEX continues to position Kenya as a critical gateway to global floriculture markets, even as the industry navigates an increasingly complex operating environment.