06/04/2021
SEA FREIGHT STRENGTHENS KENYAN FLOWER SUPPLY CHAIN
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, global supply chains were hit hard. In the Kenyan floriculture sector, the air freight reduction meant lower export rates and loss of jobs. As a response, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) set up the Vulnerable Supply Chains Facility (VSCF). The scheme partners with retailers and suppliers in Africa and Asia to support vulnerable workers. As Kenya exports a large share of its flowers to the UK, it was vital to support its supply chain.
The FCDO sponsored a project to adopt more sea freight exports, which offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Working with Flamingo Horticulture, the VSCF Sea Freight Flowers Project was born. After being trained, Flamingo’s Ibis farm has now successfully shipped five containers from Kenya to the UK using sea freight. At FlowerWatch, we played a key role in the training, quality checks, and vase life tests that led to this success. The project will protect the jobs of around 18,000 workers.
Our Managing Director, Jeroen van der Hulst, has said: “This project has fast-forwarded the use of sea freight - a major development that makes the Kenyan industry more resilient, efficient, and sustainable”.
Read the full story here: bit.ly/39N2Cfh
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, global supply chains were hit hard, affecting millions of workers across the globe. In the Kenyan floriculture sector, the subsequent 25-40% air freight reduction has meant lower export rates, a supply slowdown, and loss of jobs for thousands.