KQ enters deal to export flowers to Australia

Kenya Airways has entered into an agreement with Australian carrier Qantas to export flowers into Australia.

Through the deal, flower farmers will receive a major boost with an estimated 30 tons of fresh cut flowers being exported on a weekly basis.

The move is in line with the flower industry’s move to diversify markets in an effort of boosting sales.

KQ Cargo Sales Manager Patricia Odida said the partnership opens up the Australian market for exporters while creating a new route for the airline to generate revenue from the cargo business.

Ms Odida said flower farms would also be able to ensure their flowers would have a more direct access to buyers.

“Previously exporters relied on other carriers, but when we got into an interline agreement with Qantas, we have seen the market grow and demand is steadily increasing,” she said.

KQ Cargo is already working on an additional route through Bangkok into Asia.

Recent data showed that Kenya earned Sh63 billion from the sale of 122,000 tons of fresh cut flowers in 2015.

Flower exports are a major foreign exchange earner for Kenya.

Kenyan roses, carnations and lilies have been a big hit with international buyers.

KQ Cargo will uplift flowers via Johannesburg into Sydney and Melbourne which have become key markets for Kenyan flowers.