“ During the pandemic , the handiness of premium roses was low , and the monetary value were high . That is when we introduced a new line of ‘ tops - intermediate ’ roses that helped both wholesalers and us . Because of this new launching , our demand increased and it aid establish our name in the international market , ” says Shailesh Kumar Rai , Founder of Heritage Flowers , a roseate farm in Kenya . The farm has been make only in 2019 , and already it has had to deal with some major change and challenges . Rai shares how they have been navigating these preceding years , how they are ameliorate their job , and what the future of Kenyan floriculture will look like . Shailesh Kumar RaiSuper - intermediate roses to the rescueAccording to Rai , Heritage Flowers went through a dire situation at the onset of the pandemic . “ The farm was turn out down on employment force , and the price of fertilizers and chemical substance were increased . The availability of agiotage roses was quite gloomy with the prices too high . In May - June 2020 , the company become back on its feet and we sold around 70 - 75 % to the vendue market and 25 % to the direct market . ” While Heritage Flower ’s target used to be the auction sale market , they have change over to direct sales . “ Through lineal sales , there is more demand for high altitude blossom with orotund heads and prospicient stems . “Therefore , Heritage adjudicate to make a alteration and went for 100 % direct marketing with their ‘ super - average ’ rosebush , with the aid of the wholesaler who introduced the novel line . “ The wholesalers start lay down higher margins with the ‘ tiptop - intermediate ’ , and thus the demand for them originate . So far , this has help found the Heritage Flowers brand name in the international flower market . As a effect , the pandemic was a grace in disguise for us , as we got our name out there without having to promote ourselves . ”“Everything is becoming more expensive”Rai explains that , in these first long time of line of work , one of the major challenge has been the increase costs . “ It seems like everything is getting more expensive by the day . The Labour cost is increasing , and with the pandemic , all goods and inputs we import have become up . The payload charge are the biggest disbursement as they can take up 60 % of gross lucre , and then there is taxation ; previously we were not burden 16 % VAT on some chemicals and plant food , but now the policy has been revised and all these inputs are now tax . This has a significant shock on our yield toll , behave in mind we are also struggling with the high toll of energy and many certification from internal to county government . ”The importance of vest in the workforceThroughout all the challenges , it is of import for Heritage Flowers to pay great attention to the eudaimonia of their doer . “ Our greatest investment is the hands . The growth of this flower farm to its current status has been largely driven by our 220 dedicated worker , from the top direction to those make for in the greenhouses . We see each other as a family whose relationship is built on trust , respect , and a signified of togetherness . We have endeavour to produce an open - door policy grant our stave to add up and discuss with us any outcome they might want to be addressed . We put them first , which means we assure they have what they need at the correct time ; it is one of the ways we want to take account them for their dedication . ”The time to come of Kenyan floricultureRai shares that the current demand is promising a overconfident hereafter for the flower industry in Kenya . “ When the pandemic struck , most people in Europe began spending time at home base . To refreshen their minds , and homes , they began purchase more flush . Also , the young generation has started like flower and they are busy purchasing them . This gives us an exciting prospect for the futurity of our industry , and we are hopeful that the involvement in our products will remain . ”
For more information : Heritage Flowers ltdShailesh Kumar RaiEmail:[email protected]www.heritageflowers.biz
© FloralDaily.com/Elvira Oosterbaan
