Valentine Day; Kenya Growers optimistic of a grand flower sale despite the rainfalls
February is known as the month of love because of Valentine Day which is celebrated on 14th. It’s one of the most famous festivals in the world, especially among couples looking for ways to celebrate love and romance. On this day lovers have an opportunity to confess and share love to that person of whom they have special feelings. Various plans are made by people to please their partners or their special loved ones.
The day comes with a sense of appreciation, inspiration, and sharing of flowers among other treats. All over the world, bouquets of flowers especially red roses are they most shared. This make it the peak season for flower growers as demand for flowers, especially in the European market skyrockets. It is particularly an exciting year for Kenya growers because a considerable part of the Dutch rose acreage is currently producing fewer flowers. This is attributed to high gas prices affecting not only roses, but also other greenhouse cultivated plants in the country.
The growers are upbeat of a rosy season. “The weather has been good and we have worked around the clock to ensure we are able to produce enough flowers to meet the high demand. One of the variety we exclusively grow which is a good catch for valentine and very popular in the market is red Rhodo. The variety has a good shelf life and in the past we managed to ship 3,000 stems to USA which was a success but what has hindered us from exploring that market further is the distance,” said Santosh Kulkarani of PJ Dave Flora.
Their market consists of 60 per cent auction and 40 per cent direct sales to florists. “The relationship we have built with our direct customers has been a big boost to building the brand PJ Dave Flora. The auction sometimes presents challenges because of the volumes and prices. We have greatly invested in producing great quantities and quality thus we optimistic of great sale,” said Santosh.
The industry is anticipating fairly good prices during this occasion as the demand for flowers in Europe is greatly increasing. “We have a good production and if the government can be able to look into freight issues we are set to go, “says Rajat Chaohan of Desire Flora.
For Kenya flower vendors, there is great expectation for the occasion. According to Eric Wainaina, a flower vendor in Westland’s, the day falls on a Monday unlike the previous year when it was on a Sunday. “Most offices will be open and we will experience love birds buying flowers and delivering to work places of their loved ones. We are very optimistic of grand sale during the day,” Wainaina said.
