Dubai Flower Centre develops role as international hub

Three recent tenants at DFC typify the global nature of the flowers and plant industry and the importance of Dubai as a regional hub for the import and export of such perishable items. All three companies are established in different continents and have chosen DFC as an essential crossroads to set up operations.

Mr. Ibrahim Ahli, Marketing Director at DFC, reveals details of these newest tenants who, he says, epitomise the international trading aspect of DFC.

'Flower Express is one of three of our latest customers who have chosen DFC because of its transport links and cool-chain process that keeps blooms at the optimum temperature,' he says. 'The company grows roses in Ethiopia, as well as India and is soon to start producing in Kenya as well - they primarily cultivate these flowers for exports into Europe and Australasia and are aiming to be recognised as the largest producer of roses in the world, with a figure of 650 million heads per year,' he continues. 'Flower Express are a progressive company who pride themselves on using ethical fair trade policies - they would like to have a presence in all southern hemisphere producer in the next few years. As well as roses, they also trade in Anthuriums, Orchids and Bird of Paradise plants,' he adds.

FloraHolland are a Netherlands based operation, which specialise in a wide range of flowers and plants for import and re-export. The company has recently chosen DFC as a regional base and boasts five separate auction locations, 26 auction clocks and 3,000 employees worldwide.

'FloraHolland are doing very good business importing and exporting fresh cut flowers and plants,' says Mr. Ahli. 'They decided to base their regional operations at DFC because of the excellent transport links to markets around the world, which makes rapid redistribution straightforward and minimises storage time,' he adds. 'When it is absolutely necessary to store fresh cut flowers, DFC's cool chain system makes sure that they stay at the ideal temperature right the way through the whole process, he adds.

Another concern specialising in fresh flowers is Continental Flowers, which has over twenty eight years of experience of the flower industry, spanning Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. 'Another of our latest tenants that has set up business at DFC is Continental Flowers and their arrival shows just how important the proximity of a major airport is for the horticultural industry, says Mr. Ahli. 'The company concentrates on flying in roses and tropical flowers and foliage from Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Ecuador, Colombia, India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Mauritius,' he adds. 'They then re-export these products to Europe, North America, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East, so a well connected network is essential for these clients,' he concludes.