EU flower market prices drop by 50 per cent

By Antony Gitonga

Flower prices in the European market have dropped by 50 per cent with fears that the price could drop even further.

Mr Jack Kneppers of Maridadi flower farm said the drop was expected to continue until the end of August.

"Buyers in Europe are currently on holiday which is why prices have dropped by between 40-50 per cent," he said.

He, however, termed the drop normal adding that the June to August period was a low season.

"We expect the prices to pick up from September when the peak season starts until May," he said.

The Dutch owned farm has 600 workers and produces 50 million stems of roses annually — all exported to the Netherlands.

Jack added that though demand was still the same, production had dropped due to the cold weather in the country.

"It is cold at this time and thus the flower production drops due to the unfavourable weather," he said.

Legislation

Speaking on phone, the Chief Executive Kenya Flower Council (KFC) Jane Ngige confirmed the price drop terming it normal.

"The drop comes at a time farmers are recovering from flight crisis caused by the ash cloud in Europe early this year," she said.

"The financial crisis in South Europe in countries like Greece has also caused concern in the sector but we expect the situation to normalise by September," Ms Ngige said.