Published on: October 18, 2024 | Author: John | Read Time: 7 min
Kenya is among the top three exporters of flowers to the UK. So, what flowers does Kenya export to the UK? Kenya is renowned for exporting roses and other flowers, such as carnations, lilies, and scabiosa.
Most of these flowers require a tropical climate and well-drained soils, making Kenya the hub for most flowers demanded in European countries. Flower exports are a pillar of Kenya’s economy, earning decent foreign exchange and providing employment opportunities.
Horticultural farms generate investments and create jobs in logistics and processing to handle the large volumes of flower shipments. The horticulture industry contributes more than 1% of the country’s GDP.
Kenya’s fertile soils and climate are conducive to flower growth, and horticulture has also helped the country gain success in the flower industry. Insights from the Central Bank of Kenya show that horticulture earnings rose by 14.3%, generating KES45.1 billion in 2024.
This increased from USD 307 million during the same period in 2023, driven by higher shipments to European markets. The UK is one of Kenya’s top export destinations for cut flowers, consistently among the top three markets yearly. According to UN Comtrade data on international trade, the country exported cut flowers and buds worth $114.39 million to the United Kingdom in 2023.
To order wholesale fresh-cut flowers, call us at +254 725 302 105 or email at sales@rhemaflowers.com. Once you do, our customer support team will process your order within 45 minutes to an hour and send you proforma invoices for the varieties ordered.
Once you make your payment, the sourcing begins. We order the varieties from the farm and then coordinate when they arrive at the airport’s cold room. All our payments are received through bank account transactions or Western Union transfers.
For our price list and catalogue, reach out to us at sales@rhemaflowers.com or call us through the number: +254 725 302 105
When the flowers arrive at the cold room, two processes take place. First, the blooms have to be inspected by HCDA (Horticultural Crops Development Authority) to be cleared for quality inspection and export. HCDA then clears the necessary documentation, which is the phytosanitary certificate.
The second process occurs when the logistics (airline company) takes over and handles the air freight process of sending the flowers to the required destination. During this process, we share all the documentation and a tracking link of the airline carrying the cargo to the client for transparency.
Kenya’s location at the equator offers warm temperatures that favour flower growth. As a result, Kenya grows different varieties of flowers it exports to the UK, and 50% of its flowers end up in Dutch auctions.
Flower import companies in the UK import nearly $211.86 million worth of roses annually. Kenyan roses are renowned worldwide for their high-quality, solid stems, buds, and different varieties. Their various colours and varieties have a vibrancy that appeals to many consumers, giving rose flower exports a 38% market share worldwide.
During the export process, temperatures have to be lowered to slow down the activity within the flowers. Typically, the temperatures are as low as 0.5 degrees until they arrive in the UK.
The flowers are stored in refrigerators, which have an atmosphere system that reduces oxygen temperatures from 20% to 4%, and CO2 levels are increased from 0.4% to 4%
The UK imports roses for historic symbols such as National Red Rose Day, valentines, and weddings. The standard varieties of roses you can find in Kenya and that are commonly exported to the UK include:
As of 2023, Kenya exported $114.39 million worth of fresh-cut roses. Early this year, on April 11th, the British High Commission temporarily removed the 8% global tariff on cut flowers to make trade with the UK easier and cheaper for Kenyan growers and exporters.
Unlimited roses can now be exported to the UK at a 0% tariff, even if they transit via a third country. This is particularly important for Kenyan flower growers who transport their blooms via third countries or auction houses before they arrive in the UK.
The duty suspension will remain for two years, from 11 April 2024 to 30 June 2026.
Kenya’s moderate climate favours the growth of carnations. They mostly grow in the Rift Valley and around Mt. Kenya, where a tropical highland climate provides warm temperatures.
These flowers do well in glass-covered greenhouses that maintain optimal humidity, light, temperature, and ventilation conditions.
Kenya helps to meet the high market demand for carnations in the UK since they’re primarily used in bouquets, arrangements, and designs. Florists and retailers always keep carnations in demand. In addition, carnations can stay long (7-14 days) without dying, and so consumers prefer to include them in their occasions.
Alstroemeria, or Peruvian Lilies, are popular in the UK. They’re vibrant, making them ideal for gardening or cutting flowers. They also have a quality vase life, lasting up to four weeks when cut.
Alstroemeria’s petals symbolize different meanings in various cultures. Their shades of orange, pink, red, yellow, and purple make aesthetic bouquets, table centrepieces, wedding and funeral flowers.
Kenya produces high-quality lilies, including the Asiatic, Oriental, and Longiflorum varieties. The demand for Gypsophila in the UK has increased as florists become more creative in making arrangements.
Because of its delicate appearance, the gypsophila is a filler in most bouquets and arrangements. It adds texture and volume without overpowering other blooms.
Although their stems need to be replaced with clean, fresh water, their blooms should not get wet and should be placed in a cool environment for the best results.
As part of Kenya’s flower export portfolio, Gypsophila is shipped to various international markets, including the UK. The flower’s long shelf life (7-10 days) makes it an attractive option for exporters.
In some cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize happiness and longevity. They come in whites, reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, violets, and greens. They’re unique flowers whose one bloom contains many other flowers inside.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Chrysanthemums purify the air by removing benzene, a pollutant.
As people look for more floral options, the Scabiosa has gained appeal and has market potential in the UK.
The flowers grow well in well-drained soils and love good sunlight, which positions Kenya as a large exporter. Like the Gypsophila, Scabiosa is also used as a filler flower in bouquets and arrangements due to its airy texture and ability to complement other blooms.
The Craspedia are also called billy buttons. Their flower heads resemble daisies with shades of yellow, orange and gold. The rich colour in their flower heads makes floral designs and arrangements appealing. Consumers love the Craspedia because they’re easy to maintain and durable.
Kenya offers this flower an ideal climate for growth, as it prefers warm and sunny areas with well-drained soils. As such, Kenya can export Craspedia all year round.
The UK gets its flowers mainly from the Netherlands, Kenya, and Columbia. The UK imports most of its flowers because it can’t grow most of them throughout the year.
Kenya is the largest exporter of flowers in Africa. Its favourable climate and horticultural practices enable it to lead in exports.
The most bought flower in the UK is the rose. It’s the nation’s favourite for its beauty and different uses in arrangements during Valentine’s Day, weddings, and anniversaries.