'Ni hao' Kenya roses!: China's flower lovers say yes

In the sprawling, bustling heart of Kunming, the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, lies the Dounan Flower Market – a behemoth of blossoms and a barometer of Asia's floral appetite.

As the second-largest fresh-cut flower trading centre globally and the undisputed king of Asia's vibrant flower trade, Dounan moves a staggering 10 million stems daily. Its auction halls are a constant flurry of bids and blooms destined for vases across the continent and beyond.

Now, this colossal market is casting an eye westward, signalling a keen interest in tapping the rich potential of Kenya's renowned flower industry.

"The Chinese market has a huge demand for diverse and high-quality flowers," a market spokesperson told The Standard at the bustling trading hub, where screens flashed with auction prices and staff diligently prepared stems for their onward journeys.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  How current political ongoings might affect various 'kingpins'
• 
  Its time for varsities to take up AI, don says
• 
  Kenya set to take part in three international polo assignments in 2025
• 
  CBK rejects banks' rate cap claims, digs in on Ruto's loan reforms

"We see a significant opportunity for Kenyan producers to capitalise on this, especially with the prospect of direct flights making logistics smoother."

Currently, logistical hurdles mean Kenyan flowers are primarily sold on order in China, bypassing the dynamic auction system that defines Dounan's daily rhythm.

READ: Kenyan roses brighten China's Valentine's Day

The quickest connecting flights take around 15 hours, but some routes with longer layovers can extend travel time to 20 hours or more.

However, the anticipated direct air links between Nairobi and Beijing, a key outcome of President William Ruto's recent state visit to China, are poised to be a game-changer, potentially unlocking direct access to this vast consumer base.

The appetite for floral beauty in China is palpable. During a visit to the market coinciding with Mother's Day, The Standard witnessed throngs of young and middle-aged shoppers, many adorned with flower garlands, carefully selecting bouquets.

Local consumers like Mr Li, a resident of Kunming, seen clutching a vibrant arrangement with his girlfriend, expressed a clear interest. "If Kenyan flowers were available, we would buy them," she affirmed, a sentiment echoed by many others in the city eager for a wider variety of blooms.

The burgeoning consumer market was evident as mother Lizi Zhen and her 10-year-old son, Tang Zhiyi (Joey), browsed the colourful displays, their simple expression of love for the flowers a clear indication.

This enthusiasm from China's 1.4 billion strong consumer base underlines the market's sheer scale, with a transaction volume up 5 per cent to 14.18 billion stems last year, valued at 11.57 billion yuan ($1.61 billion), presents a compelling opportunity for Kenyan growers.

For 25 consecutive years, Dounan has led China in both flower transaction volume and value, its reach extending to every provincial-level region on the Chinese mainland and over 50 countries and regions worldwide.

ALSO READ: Kenyan businesses urged to tap into lucrative Chinese market

The market's history, dating back to commercial cultivation in the 1990s and the establishment of China's first professional flower trading market in Dounan in 1999, underscores its entrenched position in the global flower trade.

Today, an impressive seven out of ten fresh-cut flowers in China originate from Dounan, highlighting the nation's prominence in the global floriculture landscape, boasting 1.5 million hectares under cultivation and employing over 5 million people.

However, while the potential is significant, Kenyan flower producers currently heavily rely on the European Union market, with over 70 per cent of their exports channelled through the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, according to the Kenya Flower Council (KFC).

Kenya's established cut flower industry, particularly its roses and diverse summer varieties, holds a significant position in the European market. Renowned for consistent quality and vibrant colours, Kenyan flowers have secured a notable market share within the European Union, driven by efficient cold chain logistics and established export channels.

This track record in meeting the demands of a key global market provides a basis for Kenyan producers considering expansion into China's growing floral sector, analysts reckon.

Clement Tulezi, CEO of KFC, outlined the scale of Kenya's industry, stating it is valued at approximately $1.15 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $1.48 billion by 2030.

The sector contributes 1.3 per cent to Kenya’s GDP and employs around 150,000 people directly, thriving due to a favourable climate, advanced cold chain logistics, and a 38 per cent market share in EU rose exports.

Many of these flower farms are located in the prime agricultural region of Naivasha in the Rift Valley.

While efforts to diversify into emerging markets like the UAE, Japan, Russia, and Australia, as well as the US, are gaining traction, the allure of the massive Chinese market is undeniable.

Tulezi acknowledged that Kenya already exports a small volume of flowers to China – $1.74 million in 2023, with improved logistics reducing delivery times.

However, he also pointed to existing hurdles.

ALSO READ: Kenya exports over 4, 200 tonnes of flowers ahead of Valentine

"China imposes a 4 per cent import duty on Kenyan flowers, making them less competitive compared to duty-free imports from countries like Ethiopia," Tulezi explained.

"Negotiating favourable trade terms, similar to our access to the EU, is crucial. Optimising cold chain logistics for the longer journey and understanding specific Chinese consumer preferences, who currently favour locally grown long-stemmed varieties, are also key."

Furthermore, navigating China's stringent regulatory and phytosanitary requirements remains a challenge for Kenyan exporters.

Despite these obstacles, Tulezi sees significant potential for Kenya to position itself in China's evolving market by leveraging its high-quality roses and summer flowers, strengthening cold chain logistics, expanding e-commerce presence through partnerships with Chinese platforms, and highlighting sustainable farming practices.

As a tangible outcome of Presidents Ruto and Xi Jinping’s recent diplomatic efforts, direct flights now offer a concrete solution to logistical challenges, paving the way for stronger flower trade ties.

The eagerness of Chinese buyers, coupled with the scale of their market, suggests that for Kenyan flower producers willing to adapt and navigate the challenges, a lucrative "Ni Hao" to new business awaits.