Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) - the region’s leading storage and distribution facility for international horticultural produce - looks set to expand its operations into the lucrative Ukrainian market, following its successful participation at Flowers and Hortech 2007; the 2nd International Ukrainian Exhibition for floristry and horticulture, which was held in Kiev recently.
More than 115 companies from 13 countries attended the exhibition, as did a number of Ukrainian officials; including the Minister of Economics and the president of the Flower Council of Ukraine. Those present used the exhibition as a platform to conduct business, exchange information and share knowledge. The forum therefore provided the perfect opportunity for DFC to promote their storage and shipment facilities for the transportation of perishable items.
“The Flowers and Hortech exhibition enabled DFC to showcase our concept as a one stop shop for the Ukrainian horticulture market,” said DFC Marketing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Ahli. “We had a series of high profile meetings with the Flower Council of Ukraine, who showed a genuine interest in cooperation with DFC and the use of our centre as a regional hub to ship horticultural produce from countries of production, such as Africa and South America,” he added.
With no less than 30 million hectares of agricultural land in use, Ukraine is potentially one of the largest plant and crop producers in the world. It has an ideal climate for horticulture and the ground is extremely fertile; with 30% of the world’s black soil plains being found in the country. Despite this abundance of prime land, demand for relatively luxury products such as flowers and plants is presently outstripping supply, mainly because of the rapid growth of cities such as Kiev. This ongoing development boom means that other countries are currently availed of good export opportunities to the Ukrainian markets.
“The Ukrainian horticulture sector is developing rapidly and is offering solid opportunities for suppliers of professional horticultural products and technology,” said Mr. Ahli. “It is considered a consumption market and the representatives from the Flower Council of Ukraine were particularly interested in DFC’s sealed humidity and temperature control system, as well as our excellent transport network and close proximity to Dubai International Airport,” he added.
“Flowers and Hortech 2007 proved to be an extremely successful event for DFC,” said Mr. Ahli. “We look forward to further discussions with our counterparts in Ukraine and the opportunity to conduct business within this burgeoning market,” he concluded.
