Where sustainability blooms: flourishing partnership with Xpressions

Our relationship with Xpressions Flora began in early 2021 when we supported their transition from another financial institution. A partnership, which we are proud to highlight further.

As one of Kenya's leading flower exporters, Xpressions Flora channels a significant share of its sales through the Netherlands, leveraging its membership with Royal Flora Holland. This collaboration perfectly aligns with Rabobank’s connector strategy in Africa, fostering partnerships with export-driven businesses that generate foreign exchange and create meaningful employment opportunities.

The Kenyan flower sector is a key economic driver, directly employing 150,000–200,000 people (majority women) and impacting an estimated 4 million livelihoods through affiliated industries. Moreover, this sector maintains strong ties with the Netherlands, further emphasizing its global significance

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been a central focus, particularly in addressing labour conditions and sustainability. Thanks to initiatives led by the Kenyan Flower Council, the industry has made remarkable progress, becoming a leader in CSR in the international flower business. Sustainability measures now include using solar energy, organic fertilizers, water conservation practices, reduced chemical inputs, and a shift from air to sea freight. Remarkably, even flowers transported by air from Kenya typically have a lower carbon footprint than those grown locally in the Netherlands.

Xpressions is at the vanguard of these efforts. A visit by European Food & Agri bankers in November 2022 to one of Xpressions’ farms highlighted Kenya’s innovation in circularity and water management. What began as a knowledge-sharing mission ended as a lesson in inspiration, as Kenyan farms showcased sustainability practices that rival global standards.

The flower industry faced significant disruptions during the pandemic, grappling with soaring freight costs, rising input prices, and weakened markets. Throughout these challenging times, Rabobank worked closely with Xpressions, reinforcing our commitment to honest, collaborative partnerships that thrive in both good and difficult times.

Kenya’s unique combination of equatorial climate and high altitudes offers a structural advantage for flower cultivation, particularly for roses. Coupled with continued advancements in sustainability, the future of this sector seems bright. Supporting clients like Xpressions Flora Group contributes to a greener global floriculture value chain and strengthens rural employment and economic development in Africa.

At Rabobank Kenya Representative Office, we are proud to play a role in fostering these impactful partnerships and supporting sustainable growth across the African region.

The Xpressions Flora Group is centered around the Nakuru - Njoro area in the Rift Valley in Kenya. Since 2007, the company grows high quality roses for export all over the world. Currently, they have 120 hectares under greenhouses; growing at altitudes ranging between 1900m and 2450m above sea level. The topographical variation allows them to grow a wide range of varieties. The product assortment includes over one hundred and twenty different varieties grown commercially, which include large head traditional roses, garden shaped roses and spray roses. The Group provides gainful employment to over 2,300 workers in a rural environment.