Adopting Technology & Global Benchmarking

Setting standards in cold chain processes and integration between small scale farmers were identified as keys to achieving the full potential of Africa’s flower and perishable industry at the recently held Flower and Perishable Logistics Africa conferences in Nairobi, Kenya.

- Shalini Nair

The third edition of Flower Logistics Africa (FLA) 2018, organised by Logistics Update Africa, held at Nairobi focused on benchmarking cold chain logistics and adopting advanced technology. Revolving around the core theme of ‘Cold Chain Protocols and Common Standard: Keys to Africa’s Flower Industry’, the event witnessed a cross-section of participants from the entire value chain of flower trade.

The participants of the day-long conference deliberated on the typical challenges faced by the flower industry as a whole. The discussions revolved around the need for standardisation that will enhance exports and gain traction for Kenya’s flower industry in the global market. The changing paradigms like the entry of e-commerce players are expected to drive flower markets in the coming years. The flower trade players may have to look towards the ‘Look East’ policy as demand from China will increase in the coming years.

Peter Musola, cargo commercial manager for Kenya Airways (KQ), emphasised on KQ’s commitment to providing fresh networking opportunities. “Kenya Airways Cargo is expanding our cool chain facility to deal with the over demand during peak seasons. We are also expanding our warehouse infrastructure to accommodate demand,” he said.

In regards to KQ launching direct flights from Nairobi to New York, Musola added, “We are looking into partnerships with the John F Kennedy Airport with our recently launched flights to New York to enable access for our flowers to Miami, Toronto and Vancouver.”