With 290 exhibitors from around 30 countries, the International Floriculture Trade Fair is showcasing the growing influence of international growers, strengthening trade connections and highlighting innovation across the global flower supply chain.
VIJFHUIZEN, THE NETHERLANDS
Kenya and other African flower-producing countries are taking a strong position at the 17th International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF), which opened on November 3 at Expo Greater Amsterdam in Vijfhuizen, the Netherlands, bringing together growers, buyers, breeders and technology providers from across the global flower industry. The three-day exhibition, running until November 5, features 290 exhibitors from around 30 countries, with organisers reporting an unprecedented level of grower participation.
The presence of major flower-producing countries, including Kenya, Colombia and Ecuador, is particularly prominent. Together, the three countries account for more than 140 exhibitor entries, reflecting the growing importance of international production hubs in supplying global markets. For Kenya, the fair offers an opportunity to strengthen relationships with buyers, showcase the diversity of its flower production and engage with industry partners on quality, logistics and market access.
The exhibition also features national and regional pavilions from Ethiopia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, alongside other African participants, underlining the continent’s growing visibility in international floriculture.
Kenya brings 47 exhibitors to the fair
Kenya has 47 entries at IFTF 2026, making it one of the largest national groups at the exhibition. The Kenya Flower Council (KFC), which represents Kenyan growers and exporters, is exhibiting at stand D4.01, close to a wide range of Kenyan rose and summer flower producers.
Among the exhibitors are Sian Flowers and Black Tulip Group,Shambangu flowers, Altura Blooms,Pamoja Flowers, Mount Elgon Orchards and AAA flowers. Kenyan growers participating through the German Import Promotion Desk (IPD) stand are also presenting a range of products, including hypericum, kangaroo paw, eryngium, limonium and craspedia. The strong representation gives Kenyan growers a platform to meet international buyers, strengthen existing partnerships and explore opportunities across different market segments.
Representatives from Sian Flowers highlighted the importance of face-to-face engagement at the exhibition, noting that IFTF provides an opportunity to reinforce long-term business relationships while showcasing innovations in quality and cold-chain logistics. For Kenyan exporters, maintaining flower quality throughout the supply chain remains an important consideration as they serve distant markets.
Ecuador leads exhibitor numbers
Ecuador has the largest national representation at this year’s fair, with 68 exhibitor entries. The Ecuadorian flower producers and exporters association, Expoflores, is hosting a national pavilion at stand D4.14, bringing together nine other exhibitors, most of them rose farms. Well-known growers such as Rosaprima, Hoja Verde, Tessa, Esmeralda Farms and Josarflor are also exhibiting independently. The concentration of growers gives buyers an opportunity to compare long-stem roses, garden roses and new colour varieties within a single exhibition.
Colombia is also maintaining a strong presence through Flowers of Colombia, the banner under which the Colombian flower exporters’ association Asocolflores brings together eight growers and two cargo agencies at stand B1.18. The shared pavilion, occupying nearly 120 square metres, features the theme “Diversity that inspires” and showcases chrysanthemums, roses, carnations, callas and foliage.
Participating growers include Capiro, Geoflora, Colibri Flowers, SB Talee and Inverpalmas. Other Colombian companies exhibiting across the halls include Alexandra Farms, La Gaitana Farms, The Elite Flower and Fillco Flowers. At the IPD stand, B4.20, San Francisco Gardens is presenting Colombian hydrangeas.
African flower-producing countries expand their presence
Beyond Kenya, IFTF 2026 is drawing participation from a growing number of African flower-producing countries.
Ethiopia’s Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) is represented at stand C3.02, with growers including Tinaw Flowers, Tana Flora, Roshanara Roses, Bellaflor Group, Hansa Flowers and Qualirosa, also known as Friendship Flowers, exhibiting nearby.
Uganda has returned with its national growers’ pavilion at C4.26. The country first introduced a national pavilion at IFTF in 2024, with Rosebud among this year’s exhibitors.
Zimbabwe is also participating through its Flower Growers Pavilion at C2.24, featuring Razmadlaz Protea Flowers and Sahara South.
Other African participants include FIRCA from Côte d’Ivoire, Bella Inc. from Rwanda, and South African protea growers Bosjes and Nikwaflora. The presence of these countries highlights the expanding reach of African floriculture and the importance of international trade exhibitions in connecting growers with buyers and service providers.
Technology and logistics take centre stage
While growers remain at the heart of IFTF, the exhibition also brings together companies supporting the wider flower supply chain.
Rose breeders Kordes Roses, Rosen Tantau, Meilland and NIRP International are exhibiting alongside De Ruiter, Könst Alstroemeria, United Selections and Royal Van Zanten.
Cargo and logistics companies, including Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, Turkish Cargo, LATAM Cargo and Kuehne + Nagel, are also present, providing an opportunity for industry players to discuss the movement of flowers from farms to international markets.
The Japan Flowers and Plants Export Association and KFlower, the Korea Floriculture Agricultural Cooperative, have joined the international line-up.
The increasing technical demands of commercial floriculture were also highlighted by representatives at the Flowers of Ecuador pavilion, who pointed to automation, precise crop management and specialised transport as important components of modern flower production and trade. Post-harvest technology was among the key themes on the opening day, with Chrysal introducing its next-generation solutions, FreshGuard and Amplify.
The launch reflects the industry’s continued focus on extending the transit shelf life of flowers while responding to sustainability requirements.
A meeting point for the global flower industry
The international reach of IFTF builds on the performance of its 2025 edition, which, according to HPP Exhibitions, attracted more than 24,000 visitors. More than 8,500 visitors came from outside the European Union, setting a record for international attendance.
The timing of the exhibition also allows visitors to combine IFTF with Trade Fair Aalsmeer, organised by Royal FloraHolland, which takes place on the same dates. For floral professionals, the fair offers more than a display of flowers and new varieties. It provides a meeting point to discuss commercial relationships, market requirements, product availability, freight, certification, packaging and pricing ahead of the new selling season.
Victoria Clemson, Creative and Operations Director of the Daniel Ost Group, described the range of displays and products at the fair as being “in a candy shop”, reflecting the breadth of inspiration and choices available to floral professionals. The programme continues through November 5, with Thursd’s “The Future of Floral Marketing LIVE” panel session and networking meetings curated by the Import Promotion Desk among the scheduled highlights.
The IPD programme connects European buyers with 17 verified growers from emerging markets in South America and Africa. As the exhibition continues, Kenya’s participation and the wider African presence place the continent’s growers among the key voices engaging with the changing demands of global floriculture.