Horticulture

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.

Kenya’s floriculture industry remains a vital pillar of the national economy, generating more than KES 150 billion each year and supporting over 500,000 jobs across the value chain. (Image credit: Corteva Agriscience)

Corteva Agriscience Kenya has marked a significant breakthrough in crop protection with the launch of Verpixo 100 SC, an advanced fungicide powered by Adavelt technology.

Officially registered for use on roses, one of Kenya’s most valuable export crops, the product brings cutting-edge agricultural innovation directly to farmers, enabling them to protect yields, improve flower quality, and meet increasingly strict international market standards.

Kenya’s floriculture industry remains a vital pillar of the national economy, generating more than KES 150 billion each year and supporting over 500,000 jobs across the value chain. As global competition intensifies and buyers demand consistently high-quality produce, innovations such as Verpixo 100 SC are strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional leader in sustainable horticulture and reinforcing its reputation in premium export markets.

At the core of Verpixo 100 SC is Florylpicoxamid, a next-generation active ingredient classified under FRAC Group 21. Its unique mode of action offers reliable protection against two of the most destructive fungal diseases affecting roses: powdery mildew and botrytis. With no known cross-resistance to existing fungicide groups, this technology provides growers with a robust solution for long-term, sustainable disease management, reducing the risk of resistance development and safeguarding future productivity.

For rose farmers, the benefits are immediate and practical. By preventing crop losses caused by fungal infections, Verpixo 100 SC supports the production of high-quality, export-ready flowers that meet stringent global requirements. This not only improves farm profitability but also gives growers greater confidence to plan ahead, reinvest, and expand operations. The product’s sustainability focus further contributes to healthier growing environments and resilient farming systems.

Industry leaders have highlighted the broader significance of the launch. According to Charles Mutema, Business Lead at Corteva Agriscience, its introduction “represents more than a product introduction  it’s a testament to Corteva’s long-term investment in local innovation, farmer resilience, and the future of sustainable agriculture in Africa.”

Echoing this sentiment, Marketing Campaign Manager Innocent Oeri stated that “Verpixo 100 SC is more than a fungicide it’s a promise to Kenyan farmers that Corteva is committed to helping them compete globally,” combining advanced science with local expertise to consistently deliver world-class roses.

As climate change, disease pressure, and export challenges continue to shape the sector, innovations like Verpixo 100 SC are helping Kenyan farmers protect livelihoods, enhance global competitiveness, and cement the country’s status as a world-class floriculture powerhouse.