Horticulture

Kenya, Ethiopia lead global floral supply in Q3 2026. (Image source: Royal FloraHolland)

Florists conglomerate, Royal FloraHolland, noted a boost in international supplies from Kenya and Ethiopia in the third quarter of 2026, even when it lagged behind in pricing for consistently low product revenues 

Overall, the conglomerate noted a stable market for the third quarter. Although fewer units were traded in flowers, houseplants and garden plants compared with a year ago, positive pricing ensured that revenue remained largely stable. Higher prices compensated for the lower volume, particularly in houseplants and garden plants, while the cut-flower market faced the pressure of lower prices in a number of major product groups.

Thomas Bugel, chief grower value management at RFH, said, “It is good to see that flowers, plants and trees remained in high demand even during the extremely hot summer weather in the past quarter, at a level broadly comparable to last year. Flowers play an important role in bringing people together, whilst greenery in outdoor environments can help to limit ‘heat stress’ during hot summers. In a challenging market environment, the sector once again demonstrated its resilience this quarter. Entrepreneurship, market focus and added value are becoming increasingly important in this regard.”

The third quarter reflected high market volatility as the flowers and plants are having to largely adapt to its frequently changing conditions. As prices continue to soar, it speaks of stable demand for distinctive products and quality, acting as offset to a significant proportion of the lower volume.

Despite a challenging market environment, the sector is thus once again demonstrating its resilience. However, the differences between product groups remain significant, making entrepreneurship, market focus and added value increasingly important.

Sustainability continues to drive modern floriculture. (Image source: IFTEX)

Kenya's floricultural influence and resilience in the face of global geopolitical uncertainties clearly reflects as IFTEX 2026 is set to return this year in Nairobi from 2-4 June with more than 200 exhibitors

Participants, including growers, breeders and supply chain specialists can leverage the event to secure businesses and partnerships for the long term as companies reassess strategies based on current market volatilities.

While sustainability continues to drive modern floriculture, other factors that hold commercial value in shaping the industry include environmental compliance, carbon footprint reduction, certification requirements, and responsible production standards.

Innovation, on the other hand, is contributing to market dynamism, from breeding and post-harvest performance to digital monitoring, freight optimisation and data-led production systems. To gain an edge, market players are focusing on launching solutions that respond directly to today’s market pressures while preparing businesses for future regulatory and commercial demands.

This year's exhibitor list comprises a diverse range across breeding, production, logistics, post-harvest technology and trade, to name a few. This means buyers can expect a showcase of premium flower production, new varieties, sustainable production systems, and export expertise.

IFTEX will be held from 2-4 June 2026. (Image source: IFTEX)

Promoting sustainable floriculture, IFTEX 2026 is back in Kenya and will be held from 2-4 June 2026

The floriculture industry trade fair will see exhibitors like PATS, displaying their latest solutions in automated pest monitoring and prediction. Such advanced pest control will support growers in promptly anticipating pest pressure before things go out of control.

Moth pests like the False Codling Moth are especially challenging in Kenya. The PATS-C system uses AI to detect and identify moth species in real time, providing continuous insight into pest activity inside the greenhouse.

This year will see an upgraded version of the PATS-C system, with enhanced detection performance and additional data inputs such as environmental sensors.

Broekhof Africa, on the other hand, will be introducing Recy Clear, its next-generation 70% and 90% recycled flower sleeves made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Its value-added packaging solutions includes, SFK, flower boxes, and pallets.

Internationally preferred mono polyethylene packaging distinguishes Vaselife’s flower food sachets, making it fully recyclable without the need for complex separations because of mono polyethylene’s single-material film. This gives Vaselife an edge with responsible packaging and sturdy design.

Natural Mineral Solutions elevate turf and horticulture performance. (Image credit: Pratley)

Across the turf management and horticulture sector, professionals are increasingly turning to natural solutions to overcome long standing soil related challenges.

Maintaining healthy turf and productive landscapes has become more complex as soil conditions directly affect plant performance, water efficiency and maintenance costs. Two of the most common problem soils remain sandy soils, which lose nutrients rapidly through leaching after rainfall or irrigation, and clay soils, known for poor drainage and restricted root development. These limitations often result in stressed plants, increased water use and higher ongoing management expenses, particularly in water scarce regions such as parts of South Africa.

In response, the industry is embracing naturally occurring minerals that enhance soil structure while improving nutrient availability. A growing focus has been placed on zeolite minerals, which are valued for their ability to support sustainable turf and horticultural practices. One notable example is Vulture Creek Clino, a solution derived from clinoptilolite, a naturally occurring zeolite. Zeolites are recognised for their strong ion exchange properties, allowing them to capture essential nutrients such as potassium and ammonium and release them gradually within the root zone. This process ensures plants receive nutrients when they need them most, reducing losses and improving fertiliser efficiency.

By integrating mineral based amendments into turf and landscape fertiliser programmes, professionals are seeing measurable benefits. These include better water retention at root level, lower reliance on frequent fertiliser applications, reduced irrigation needs and stronger, healthier turf. Developers and landscape managers report visible improvements in lawn quality alongside reduced maintenance demands.

As sustainability continues to shape modern horticulture, natural mineral based products are emerging as practical, environmentally responsible tools that support long term soil health while delivering consistent performance in demanding conditions.