ETHIOPIA – The flower farms in Bahir Dar are preparing for a busy season as Valentine’s Day approaches, expecting a rise in demand and production.
Over 15 tons of flowers are being exported daily, with most heading to European markets.
Four major flower farms—Ethio-Agriceft, Tana Flora, Selecta, and Elight Agroindustry—are leading the charge in exports.
Their efforts reflect the region’s increasing role in the international flower trade. With favorable growing conditions, Bahir Dar has become a crucial hub for flower exports, particularly during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day.
Ethiopian Airlines has stepped in to ensure smooth transportation. The airline has launched freighter operations specifically for flower shipments from Bahir Dar, providing daily flights to meet global demand.
“We are happy for the commencement of freighter operation by Ethiopian Airlines to uplift flowers for Valentine season from Bahir Dar Cluster,” said a spokesperson for the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA).
Between January 22 and February 14, 2024, Ethiopia shipped over 4,500 tons of flowers to international markets. This is a sharp increase from last year’s exports of 2,165 tons during the same period, which generated over USD 3.28 million in revenue.
The primary destinations for these shipments include Europe, the UK, the US, the Middle East, and the Far East.
While Ethiopia’s flower industry continues to grow, it faces stiff competition from other African nations. Kenya remains a dominant player, having exported approximately 238,000 metric tons of flowers in 2024, earning over USD 1.04 billion.
The country aims to increase its exports by 10% in 2025 by expanding its market share in Europe and looking for new opportunities in Asia and the Middle East.
South Africa is another key competitor, focusing on exporting proteas and other flower varieties. The country is working to enhance its logistics infrastructure to ensure freshness during transit.
To maintain its standing in the market, Ethiopia has set ambitious goals. The nation is focusing on increasing production capacity and improving flower quality to match international standards. By 2025, Ethiopia hopes to raise its export volume by 15%.
Despite its successes, the Ethiopian flower industry is dealing with obstacles, including pest-related concerns. The False Codling Moth (FCM) is a major threat, particularly in key European markets that account for a significant portion of Ethiopia’s flower exports. Industry leaders are working on solutions to prevent this issue from impacting exports.
“Ethiopia’s flower industry is a vital source of foreign income, and we are committed to tackling challenges such as the FCM to ensure growth and sustainability,” said an EHPEA representative.
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