How to Import Fresh Flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia: MOQ, FOB, C&F, Mixed Boxes and Logistics
A Practical Guide for Fresh Flower Importers
Importing fresh flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia can be a very good solution for florists, wholesalers, event planners, hotels, supermarkets and flower distributors who need reliable quality, better variety and regular supply.
However, for many new buyers, the flower import process can feel confusing at the beginning. Questions often come up, such as:
- What is the minimum order quantity?
- Can I order mixed flower boxes?
- What is the difference between FOB and C&F?
- Which flowers can I import?
- Who arranges the freight?
- What documents are needed?
- How do I keep the flowers fresh after arrival?
At Lisa’s Flowers Export, we help clients understand the process clearly before they place an order. Our goal is to make importing fresh flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia easier, more transparent and better organised.
Why Import Flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia?
Kenya and Ethiopia are two of the most important flower-producing countries in Africa. Both countries have experienced farms, export knowledge and access to international airfreight routes.
For international buyers, importing from Kenya and Ethiopia can offer several advantages:
- access to fresh roses and other cut flowers;
- wider choice of colours and varieties;
- regular supply options;
- export-quality grading and packing;
- competitive flower prices;
- possibilities for mixed flower orders;
- supply for florists, weddings, hotels, events and wholesale markets.
Kenya is especially strong for variety, while Ethiopia can be very interesting for roses and competitive rose options. Depending on the product, destination, season and freight availability, Lisa’s Flowers Export can compare both origins and propose the most suitable solution.
Which Flowers Can You Import?
The flower selection depends on farm availability, season, quality requirements and destination. However, many buyers are interested in the following products:
- standard roses;
- premium roses;
- spray roses;
- gypsophila;
- carnations;
- chrysanthemums;
- alstroemeria;
- summer flowers;
- foliage;
- lilies, depending on availability;
- mixed flower boxes.
For many clients, roses remain the main product. They are suitable for florists, weddings, events, hotels, corporate arrangements, gifts and funeral work.
Other flowers, such as gypsophila, carnations, chrysanthemums and foliage, are very useful for creating complete arrangements and mixed boxes.
Minimum Order Quantity for Fresh Flower Imports
One of the most important questions for buyers is the minimum order quantity.
The minimum quantity depends on several factors:
- the destination country;
- the airline minimum weight;
- the type of flowers;
- the number of boxes;
- the freight cost;
- the available routing;
- whether the order is FOB or C&F.
For many international flower shipments, airlines work with minimum chargeable weights. This means that even if the shipment is small, the freight cost may be calculated based on a minimum weight.
In practice, it is often better to work with a reasonable volume so that the freight cost per stem becomes more efficient.
For many destinations, a practical starting point may be around 100 kg, depending on the airline and route. This can vary, so every destination must be checked separately.
Why Small Orders Can Be Expensive
Fresh flowers are shipped by air because they are perishable. Airfreight is fast, but it has a cost. When the shipment is too small, the freight cost per stem can become high.
For example, if a buyer imports only a few boxes, the fixed costs and minimum airline charges may make the flowers expensive. But when the order is larger, the freight cost is spread over more stems and boxes.
This is why Lisa’s Flowers Export helps clients think practically about order size, destination, and product mix before confirming a shipment.
The goal is not only to send flowers. The goal is to make the order commercially realistic for the buyer.
What Are Mixed Flower Boxes?
Mixed flower boxes are a very practical solution for many importers, especially florists, event planners and smaller wholesalers.
Instead of ordering only one type of flower, a mixed box can include different flowers in one shipment, depending on availability.
A mixed order may include products such as:
- roses;
- spray roses;
- gypsophila;
- carnations;
- chrysanthemums;
- foliage;
- seasonal flowers.
Mixed boxes are useful when buyers need variety but do not want to order large quantities of each product separately.
Why Mixed Boxes Are Useful for Florists and Event Planners
Mixed flower boxes can help buyers create more complete floral designs. They are especially useful for:
- florists who need different flowers for daily bouquets;
- event planners preparing for weddings;
- hotels needing regular arrangements;
- decorators working with different colour themes;
- small importers testing the market;
- buyers who want flexibility.
Instead of receiving only roses, the client can receive a combination of flowers that allows more creativity and more variety.
For example, a florist may order red roses, white roses, spray roses, gypsophila and foliage together. This makes it easier to prepare bouquets and arrangements for different clients.
FOB Flower Prices Explained
FOB means Free On Board. In the flower export business, this usually means that the price includes the flowers and the handling up to the airport of departure, such as Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
With an FOB price, the buyer or the buyer’s freight agent is normally responsible for the airfreight and destination costs.
FOB can be useful for buyers who already have:
- their own freight forwarder;
- their own airline arrangements;
- regular cargo connections;
- experience with flower imports;
- a clearing agent at destination.
FOB gives the buyer more control over the freight process, but it also means the buyer must organise more parts of the shipment.
C&F Flower Prices Explained
C&F means Cost and Freight. This means that the price includes the flowers and the airfreight to the destination airport, depending on availability and route.
With a C&F offer, Lisa’s Flowers Export may provide a price up to the destination airport, such as Douala, Abidjan, Lusaka, Windhoek, Gaborone, Dubai or another destination, depending on freight possibilities.
C&F can be useful for buyers who want a clearer total cost before arrival.
However, C&F does not usually include local destination costs, such as:
- customs duties;
- taxes;
- airport charges;
- clearing agent fees;
- local transport after arrival;
- import permits, if required.
The buyer must always check local import costs with a clearing agent in the destination country.
FOB or C&F: Which Option Is Better?
The best option depends on the buyer’s experience, destination and logistics setup.
FOB may be better if the buyer already has a reliable freight forwarder and wants to control the airfreight.
C&F may be better if the buyer wants Lisa’s Flowers Export to check freight options and provide a clearer price up to the destination airport.
For new importers, C&F can sometimes be easier to understand. For experienced importers, FOB may offer more flexibility.
Lisa’s Flowers Export can discuss both options depending on the route and current freight availability.
Flower Import Logistics: How the Process Works
The fresh flower export process usually includes several steps.
First, the buyer sends an inquiry with the required flowers, colours, stem lengths, quantity, destination and preferred shipping date.
Then Lisa’s Flowers Export checks availability from Kenya and Ethiopia and prepares an offer.
Once the order is confirmed, the flowers are sourced, graded, packed and prepared for export.
The flowers are then delivered to the airport, where export documents and airfreight handling are arranged.
After arrival at the destination airport, the buyer or the buyer’s clearing agent must handle customs clearance, local charges and collection.
Because flowers are perishable, timing is very important at every step.
Documents Usually Required for Flower Imports
The required documents may vary depending on the destination country. However, fresh flower shipments usually require:
- commercial invoice;
- packing list;
- airway bill;
- phytosanitary certificate;
- certificate of origin, if required;
- import permit, if required by the destination country.
Lisa’s Flowers Export can help prepare the export-side documents. The buyer must check local import requirements with a clearing agent or local authorities before ordering.
This is especially important for new importers who are receiving flowers for the first time.
The Role of the Buyer at Destination
The buyer plays a very important role after the flowers arrive.
The buyer should arrange:
- a reliable clearing agent;
- fast customs clearance;
- payment of local duties and charges;
- quick airport collection;
- transport to a cool location;
- flower inspection after arrival;
- proper hydration and conditioning.
Even when flowers leave Kenya or Ethiopia in good condition, poor handling at destination can reduce freshness and vase life.
Fresh flowers should not stay too long at the airport. They should be collected quickly and kept away from heat.
How to Protect Flower Quality After Arrival
Flower quality depends on the full chain: farm, packing, cooling, airfreight, airport handling, customs clearance and final preparation.
To protect the flowers after arrival, buyers should:
- prepare the clearing process in advance;
- collect flowers as soon as possible;
- avoid direct sun and heat;
- move flowers to a cool place;
- open the boxes carefully;
- inspect the flowers;
- hydrate the flowers correctly;
- condition them before selling or arranging.
Good handling after arrival can make a big difference in vase life and customer satisfaction.
How to Request a Flower Quotation
To receive a clear and accurate quotation, buyers should send as much information as possible.
Please include:
- destination country and airport;
- type of flowers required;
- preferred colours;
- stem lengths;
- approximate quantity;
- preferred shipping date;
- FOB or C&F preference;
- whether mixed boxes are required;
- final use, such as florist shop, wedding, hotel, event or wholesale.
The more information we receive, the better we can prepare a suitable offer.
Why Work with Lisa’s Flowers Export?
Lisa’s Flowers Export helps professional buyers import fresh flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia to different markets in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
We support clients with practical sourcing, clear communication and export coordination.
We help clients to:
- compare flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia;
- check current availability;
- source roses and other cut flowers;
- explore mixed box options;
- understand MOQ and freight impact;
- prepare FOB or C&F offers;
- coordinate with farms and logistics partners;
- prepare export documents;
- guide new importers through the process.
Our approach is practical and transparent. We understand that flower importing is not only about price. It is also about freshness, timing, communication and reliability.
Import Fresh Flowers with Confidence
Importing fresh flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia can open new opportunities for florists, wholesalers, hotels, event planners and flower distributors.
With the right supplier, buyers can access better variety, reliable quality, mixed flower options and practical export support.
Whether you need roses, spray roses, gypsophila, carnations, chrysanthemums, foliage, summer flowers or mixed boxes, Lisa’s Flowers Export can help you explore the best available options.
Lisa’s Flowers Export — fresh flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia for professional flower importers worldwide.
Contact Lisa’s Flowers Export
For current availability, prices and shipping options, please contact us with your destination, required flowers and preferred shipping date.
Lisa’s Flowers Export
Website: www.lisasflowersexport.com
Email: info@lisasflowersexport.com
WhatsApp: +254 755 855 955
Instagram / TikTok: @lisasflowersexport
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import fresh flowers from Kenya and Ethiopia?
Yes. Lisa’s Flowers Export sources fresh flowers from both Kenya and Ethiopia, depending on availability, quality, price and freight options.
What is the minimum order quantity for fresh flowers?
The minimum order depends on the destination, airline route, flower type and freight conditions. For many destinations, it is better to work with enough volume to reduce freight cost per stem.
Can I order mixed flower boxes?
Yes, depending on availability. Mixed boxes can include roses, spray roses, gypsophila, carnations, chrysanthemums, foliage and other flowers.
What is the difference between FOB and C&F?
FOB usually means the price is up to the airport of departure, while C&F includes the flowers and freight to the destination airport. Local import costs are normally paid by the buyer.
Who handles customs clearance at destination?
The buyer should arrange a reliable clearing agent at the destination airport to handle customs clearance, local charges and collection.
Which flowers are best for importers?
Roses, spray roses, gypsophila, carnations, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, foliage and mixed boxes are popular options for florists, event planners, hotels and wholesalers.
