Disha Copreaux, the Chief Executive Officer who took the reins of managing the farm since the month of June, 2023 says: “The farm is bigger now, we are at 43 hectares now, so we have switched up. We have added to our teams to increase efficiency in the farm. We have created many more employment opportunities within the Ruiru community, and as such we have many more employees. It is such a big development for us, and we are glad we are giving back to the community in this way”. There have been key changes in the management staff as well. Red Lands Roses has brought
in new talents that share in the vision of keeping up with the Spindler Legacy; a new production manager, marketing and business development manager just to mention a few.”
New blocks, new greenhouses, a new cooling system, new management, new offices, new plantings, new technologies and new markets. Many new things are happening at Red Lands Roses as the expansion programme started two years ago gives the farm a fresh look.
Philip Musonye, a manager charged with the responsibility to ensure the new production units fully integrate with the farm’s growth strategy took HortiNews for a Red Lands Roses walk and the difference between now
and when we were here last (2023) is evident.
Expansive greenhouses some with ready to harvest flowers, some still under construction, others newly planted; all pointed to bustling activities at Red Lands Roses where premium flowers are at different stages of growth, all under
hydroponics- the soil-less growing technology adopted by the farm since inception in 1996. Julietta, said to be the farm’s signature rose and a favorite of founder Mrs. Isabelle Spindler, and a flower loved by many; Happy Birthday, Lady Ella, Isabelle, Birds Song, Spasibo Bolchoi, La Mandarina, See You Soon!, Ritual and Wangari Maathai are among the 210 varieties in the grower’s stable.
“The expansion has brought the farm to 44 hectares, up from 28 and created new 300 jobs. The greenhouses are automated – they close and open automatically to regulate temperature and humidity by fogging. We have also other levers such as greenhouse fans/ventilators to help in regulation of temperatures and better air circulation all tailored towards achieving optimum desirable climate for our premium roses”, said Musonye.
At this farm, variety selection activities are carried out periodically to gauge the clients’ preferences and reception to the
farm’s products in line with the customers’ needs and taste. Occasions also play an integral role, as the variety to be grown goes hand in hand with specific seasons and what works for their clients. They disclosed to us that Russia and France remain their biggest clients in the market as the demand in the two countries is higher than anywhere else in the world currently.
