21st Edition of Naivasha Hortfair lives up to its billing
The 21st edition of Naivasha Horticultural Fair held in September lived up to its billing where it hosted a record number of stands and visitors. The show has grown into a top horticultural Kenyan brand, strengthening the country’s position as a leader in global markets, while enhancing the image of Naivasha town and its environs as a flower growing hub. Visitors were treated to a two-day extravaganza of floral and horticultural beauty, alongside other informative sessions and resources that they, quite likely, did not previously know about. After all said and done, every new day presents an opportunity to learn something new.
The key sponsor for this year’s event was the Co-operative Bank together with Agro-input companies; Agrichem Africa Ltd, Osho Chemicals Ltd, Green Life Protection Africa Ltd, Amiran Kenya Ltd and Elgon Kenya Ltd.
The fair that initially targeted flower farms and players in the floriculture industry has grown to include banking, motor vehicle manufacturers, accessories providers, financial institutions among others, positioning itself as the largest show in Africa. This year’s edition attracted close to 200 exhibitors and close to 5,000 visitors from both local and international globe.
“What stood out during this year’s show was the huge interest from startup companies. From exhibitors to visitors the enthusiasm was very clear. It is a good sign because it shows how the horticulture industry has come of age and the need to have this platform in order for the big and small players in the industry to interact and exchange ideas,” said Richard MC Gonnell, the Chairman of the fair.
Exhibition booths and pavilions dotting a mixture of colors and designs were immaculately arranged at the Naivasha Sports Club, the venue of the fair. The venue was a buzz of activities as exhibitors put their best foot forward to showcase products and services to potential farmers and buyers.
Since it is an outdoor event, the weather plays an important role and light showers in the eve of the first day did well to settle the dust while the sunny days was godsend as this allowed many to turn up even with their children. The sweet sounds from the entertainment band kept the mood ablaze.
The organizers of the fair were very happy. “All went well and clients seemed to be happy on the business side, all in all, everything went well”, said Chairman Richard Mc Gonnell.
De Ruiter East Africa (DREA), the regional branch of the globally leading rose breeder took part in showcasing numerous of the varieties that make it known for unique and exquisite roses. Talk of Rose Morning Light, Rose Playa Blanca, Spray Rose Constellation, Spray Rose Orange Star, Rose Revolution, and the Dimension® series made up of Spray Rose Pink Dimension®, Spray Rose Sweet Dimension®, Spray Rose Juicy Dimension®, and Spray Rose Special Dimension®, as well as many others were on showcase for the discerning rose lover.
Rob Letcher, the managing director at DREA was, without doubt, pleased with the event and its turnout which presented an additional platform for the introduction of the Lake Naivasha region’s Kongoni-based breeder’s roses, especially after holding its open days during the course of the same week.
As the horticulture industry evolves and experiences success, new markets are emerging and new ways of doing business, the fair has positioning itself as a focal point in bringing buyers and sellers across the world together.
Next year’s event, Richard believes, will be a lot bigger and attract many more exhibitors and visitors, as the proceeds from the event go into supporting the local communities within the larger Naivasha region.
