When we stepped into the IFTEX 2025 exhibition halls this June, we felt the pulse of something greater than ourselves, a collective heartbeat of growers, innovators, and dreamers shaping the future of floriculture in Kenya. And we, Kikwetu Flowers, were honored to be part of that energy.
Kenya Flower Industry 2025: A Nation in Bloom
Kenya’s flower industry is no longer emerging- it’s ascending. With over 189 exhibitors from 18 countries and a 33% increase in international buyers, IFTEX 2025 was a declaration of our country’s strength in global horticulture.
According to the Kenya Flower Council, Kenya now stands proudly as the third-largest flower exporter in the world, and the momentum we witnessed at IFTEX only proves we’re just getting started.
🌹 Kikwetu Flowers at Stand B3.23: Beyond Beauty
Our booth, nestled at Stand B3.23, became a melting pot of conversations, inspiration, and possibility. From international buyers in Europe and the Middle East to first-time visitors curious about our story, Kikwetu stood as a reflection of the excellence and warmth that define Kenyan rose farming.
We showcased our best varieties – deep reds, peach pinks, bright yellows-and received humbling praise for both the freshness of our blooms and the heart behind them. It wasn’t just about sales. It was about sharing our vision.
From Farm to Global Market: Growth Rooted in Innovation
Our journey from a humble flower farm to a global export partner has been fueled by innovation. Our investment in cold-chain systems has helped us reduce waste by over 30%, while preserving the rich texture and longevity of our roses-something international buyers at IFTEX 2025 deeply appreciated.
One particular highlight was a conversation we had with an importer from the Netherlands, who noted, “There’s something about your roses-they don’t just look good; they feel different.” This was a highlight for us, that people could feel what we always want them to feel from our roses, was monumental for us. To us it meant that the message our roses were intended to send was actually being delivered.
Partnering in a New Floral Era (IFTEX 2025)
We didn’t just present flowers, we planted seeds for the future. IFTEX 2025 connected us with new partners in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and even emerging buyers from Asia who are now turning their attention to African floriculture.
Backed by government support -yes, Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe even visited the expo and emphasized floriculture’s impact on employment and foreign exchange, we left IFTEX knowing that we’re not just exporting flowers. We’re exporting Kenyan potential.
A Personal Reflection
Walking through the exhibition moments, seeing the sparkle in people’s eyes as they admired our roses, took photos with them and even bringing out their bright smiles, I felt a quiet sense of victory-not just for our farm, but for Kenya.
I can recall a moment when this well-dressed man picked one of our roses….asked one of us to record..we were not sure what he was up to, but we were willing to bloom his heart just like our roses. I remember him walking back, out of our stand, and looking for someone, then in a lovely, beautiful, kind gesture, he offered this majestic “ever-red” rose to a beautiful young lady. Oooh yes! Like how did he just realise that it’s one of our roses that would send the perfect message to his beloved? Looking back, I still feel it! Someone had one look at our roses and he saw in them-a message!
Every petal we grow carries the story of our people-of passion, precision, and possibility.
❤️ The Heart Behind the Business
Kikwetu isn’t just a brand. It’s a philosophy. A belief that excellence must be rooted in integrity, and that beauty means more when it uplifts the people who grow it.
As I reflect on our journey at IFTEX 2025, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for our hardworking team, our loyal customers, and for Kenya, whose soil gives us not only roses but also resilience.
To everyone we met at the expo: thank you for seeing us.
To those we haven’t met yet: our doors-and hearts, are open.
Let’s grow something unforgettable.
📣 Join Our Journey
IFTEX 2025 was just the beginning of a new chapter. If you’re a buyer, partner, or simply a flower lover who believes in the power of nature to inspire, we invite you to grow with us.
Explore our other blog stories, connect with our team, or better yet, come visit the farm and see for yourself what makes Kikwetu different.
