From Kenya to the World –
The Blossoming Bridge of Flower Exports

The Early Days of Kenya’s Flower Industry

Kenya’s flower industry, initially a secondary sector post-independence, has blossomed into a global leader. Initially overlooked by the government in favor of tea and coffee, the sector saw a big change with the entry of Danish investor Bonde Nielsen in 1969. His collaboration with the Kenyan government led to significant advancements

Rise to Prominence

The key turning point came with the global oil crises of the 1970s, which escalated heating costs in Europe, making flower production in Kenya, with its favorable climate and geography, more viable and profitable​​. Kenya rapidly grew to become the region’s leading exporter of fresh flowers to Europe. By the late 20th century, Kenya had become Africa’s largest and the world’s third-largest exporter of cut flowers. Exports soared from 11,000 tons in 1988 to 160,000 tons by 2017, earning the nation over $800 million annually. The key to this success has been Kenya’s strategic use of air freight, leveraging its position as a major regional hub​​.

Bridging Kenya and the World

Kenya’s flower industry is now one of the largest employers in the country, providing employment to over 100,000 people directly and an estimated 2 million people indirectly, mostly women. Kenya has become the leading exporter of rose cut flowers to the European Union (EU) with a market share of almost 40%. We, at Lauren International , have established a vital link connecting Europe, North Africa and the Middles East to Kenya’s flourishing export industry. We ensure that the finest Kenyan blooms, celebrated for their quality and longevity, find their way to the respective markets. Our commitment is not just to import but to create a seamless bridge of beauty and quality, from Kenyan fields to vases.

Kenya’s journey from a humble participant to a leading player in the global flower market is inspiring. Today, as we connect the world to this vibrant industry in Kenya, we are proud to be a part of this ongoing story of growth, resilience, and global connectivity.

Our Commitment to Quality, Cost-Efficiency, and Eco-Friendly Practices in Exporting Roses

The Common Path vs. Our Preferred Route

In the flower industry, the standard route for transporting fresh roses from Kenya to Europe is Route 1, involving air and truck transport through the Netherlands. Despite its popularity, we’ve opted for a more innovative approach.

Why We Choose Route 2

We exclusively use Route 2, a direct air freight path via the Middle East, ensuring a rapid delivery from farm to vase in just 2-3 days. This swift transit is key to maintaining peak freshness and extending vase life, avoiding the delays and complexities of Route 1.

Our Sustainability Pledge

The lower carbon footprint of Route 2 is a testament to our commitment to environmental responsibility. This choice is a significant part of our sustainable practices, embodying our dedication to eco-consciousness.

Commitment to Excellence

By choosing Route 2 for transporting roses from Kenya to Europe, we demonstrate our dedication to quality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental stewardship. In a sector where these values are crucial, Route 2 stands as a symbol of our commitment to excellence and sustainable business practices.