Ball has been active in the Kenyan market for over a decade, and in 2021, they established Ball Floriculture with the strategic goal of enhancing its products and services for Kenyan flower growers and satisfying the increasing global demand for Kenyan flowers, particularly in the European market. "In recent years, Kenya has emerged as a prominent player in the global fresh-cut flower industry, primarily focusing on roses. However, there is a clear opportunity for the country to further expand its participation by offering a differentiated range of products of diversified summer flowers, which was also clearly visible at this year's IFTEX in Nairobi", explains the company's Mildred Anyango.
Mildred Anyango and Alejandro Umana at IFTEX 2023. On the right gypsophila Polar Bear, a is a new variety with big flowers.
Increasing demand for summer flowers
In line with this objective, Ball Floriculture Kenya is well-positioned to support and drive this expansion forward. And over the last years, they have seen the demand for their products increase. The company boasts a diverse portfolio of vegetative materials, which includes a wide array of cut flower species like Gypsophila, Dianthus, Limonium hybrids, Limoniums Sinzii, Matthiola, Delphiniums, Sunflowers, and more.
Mildred Anyango, Catalina Puerta and Alejandro Umana at IFTEX 2022.
Providing more than a product
Besides its products, Ball Floriculture Kenya brings its cultivation expertise and process improvement advice to the table. And not to forget, the company's collaborative marketing efforts play a vital role in promoting the varieties internationally, Anyango adds. "By strategically engaging with partners and leveraging its network, Ball Floriculture Kenya can effectively showcase the beauty and uniqueness of Kenyan flowers, attracting more buyers."
With a strong team and infrastructure based in Kenya, Ball Floriculture Kenya aims to provide comprehensive support to local flower growers. "Leveraging its global vision and extensive experience, the company is able to offer prompt responses to customer inquiries and ensure exceptional sales and post-sales service. This customer-centric approach has cemented Ball SB's position as a leader in the sales and post-sales service of vegetative material of ornamental cut flowers among medium and large professional flower growers in the highland tropics such as Colombia, Ecuador, Central America, and now Kenya."
Ball Team visiting one of Black Tulip Group farms (Lemotit Farm) in Londiani. From Left; Raju (BTG), Alvaro (Ball), NJ (BTG), Camilo (Ball), Mildred (Ball).
Environmental stewardship
In addition to its products and services, Ball SB, the mother company of Ball Floriculture Kenya, is committed to environmental stewardship. The company's primary Research & Development site, based in Colombia, spearheads numerous initiatives focused on sustainability, such as the utilization of solar panels, rainwater recycling, and reforestation activities, to name a few. "By actively integrating environmental considerations into its operations, Ball SB exemplifies its dedication to promoting sustainable practices within the floral industry."
Ball SB Team from Colombia, together with the Ball Floriculture Kenya team. From Left; Alejandro, Camilo, Catalina, Mr. Joaquin (MD), Erick, and Mildred. Photo on the right: Alejandro and Mildred with Gulitat at Klaver Flowers Farm in Ethiopia.
Driving Kenya's fresh-cut flower industry forward
By combining its robust resources and local presence, Ball Floriculture Kenya is poised to make a significant impact in the Kenyan flower industry, Anyango concludes. "The company's commitment to excellence, coupled with its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of flower growers, enables us to play a vital role in the continued growth and success of the sector. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Ball Floriculture Kenya is well-equipped to help drive Kenya's fresh-cut flower industry forward and expand its global market share."
Mildred, Alejandro, Camilo with the Black Tulip Group team – Sushant and Sagar during IFTEX 2023.
For more information:
Mildred Anyango 
Ball Floriculture Kenya
Email: [email protected]
IG: @ballsbcutflowers
www.ballsb.com