Production and marketing of flower care products in the Kenyan floriculture industry Kenya is the largest exporter of cut flowers to the European market. Proper post-harvest handling and treatment is a requirement to satisfy the demands of auctions, retailers and consumers. The use of products that retard deterioration and wilting of flowers directly after harvesting and during transport is essential. Besides, flower bunches and bouquets packed in Kenya need to be supplied with sachets of flower food that enhances the vase-life for consumers.The project will transfer its production and distribution/support activities for large clients in Kenya, presently served directly from Naarden in the Netherlands, to Nairobi Kenya. The production facility in Nairobi will be certified and comply with the international Chrysal Code of Practice for the manufacturing of flower care products (fluids and sachets). At the end of the pilot project the annual production will be 10,000 to 15,000 litres of liquid pre-treatment products and 50 to 60 million sachets (5 to 10 grams).Partners in the new venture are applicant Global Floral Technology Group B.V. based in Naarden, holding company of the Chrysal Group and the local partner Lachlan Kenya Ltd, a distributing agent for agricultural inputs for Kenya and East Africa.Partners will establish a joint venture private company named Flower Care Kenya Ltd.The project is innovative as there is no certified production facility in Kenya or East Africa, providing the range of products and advisory services as proposed in this project. The sector relies heavily on imports. The project involves much technology transfer and training. It will also contribute to a more competitive floriculture sector, due to cost-reduction in the supply of flower care products, and improved post-harvest management in the flower chain.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Both partners have integrated CSR policies and so will the joint venture. The project will be in compliance with the Ethical Trade Initiative Base Code (ETI). In addition, special emphasis will be on environmental care at the production site and on environmentally sound production methods amongst its clients.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsDuring the project 24 people will be employed, of whom 8 are medium/higher staff. This will be respectively 36 and 17, two years after the pilot. Benefits for employees are: attractive and safe working conditions, above average salaries, overtime payments, lunch and basic medical insurance. Measures to safeguard sound occupational health and safety standards consist of protective clothing, industrial vacuum cleaners, exhaust hoods, climate control and ventilation, and special precautions for the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals. The project will comply with the ETI Base Code.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeAll training related to production, warehousing and advisory services is new to the country. Modern technologies and concepts will be introduced across the organisation. The Chrysal Code of Practice and the ERP software will guarantee continuous quality control of production and sales. The extensive training package foreseen in this project contributes to new knowledge and skills for employees across the organisation.•	Chain effectsAt sector level, this project will contribute to an internationally competitive floriculture sector in Kenya. Besides the project will source products and services from local companies, such as part of the raw materials (chemicals), packing material, clichés. Work will be outsourced to service providers in ICT, maintenance and repair, legal and administrative services.•	EnvironmentThe production facility will have environmental protection measures equivalent to those at the production facility in Baarn. The products themselves are subjected to strict pesticide and biocidal regulatory rules, including labelling and user-instructions, guaranteeing safety for the user and the environment. Production of flower care products and advisory services near the market will lead to reduction of wastage of cut flowers up to 10% from grower to vase.•	Position of womenFlower Care Kenya will be an equal opportunity employer. Female employment is expected to be circa 25% of total staff with opportunities, especially in the administration and extension sections. Production and marketing of flower care products in Kenya, by establishing a modern certified production facility for solid and liquid products, and advisory services and marketing at field level.