Naivasha, Kenya, Africa Horticultural companies in Naivasha, Kenya

During a recent trade mission on sustainable agriculture to Kenya — organised by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Dutch Embassy in Kenya — we had the opportunity to visit several prominent horticultural companies in Naivasha. The mission offered powerful insights into how sustainability can be embedded in daily business operations while maintaining high-quality standards.

One inspiring example is VegPro Kenya Ltd. (food division), a horticultural producer with more than 5,000 employees. Every week, the company exports around 200 tons of fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs to Europe. With certifications such as Fairtrade, BRC, and GlobalGap, VegPro supplies leading UK supermarkets including Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s.

Another standout company is Florensis, a Dutch-based producer of young plants and cuttings. With two locations in Kenya and approximately 450 employees, Florensis has taken impressive steps to reduce its environmental impact. The company has phased out chemical crop protection entirely and now uses biological pest control in partnership with Koppert and four other organizations. Florensis holds certifications including MPS-Socially Qualified (SQ), KFC-Silver, and EPHEA Gold, and was among the first to join the Kenya Plastic Flower Pact.

Both companies demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, aligning their efforts with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their initiatives include joint transport arrangements to reduce emissions, free lunches for employees and nearby schoolchildren, fair wages, and free medical care. They also invest in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and biogas systems, prioritize efficient water usage and recycling, and actively involve their employees and local communities in decision-making processes. The continued growth of both companies underscores how sustainable practices can lead to long-term success.

At Q-Point, we are committed to improving quality processes — and even more so when sustainability is an integral part of that. It’s encouraging to see companies like Florensis and VegPro leading the way in making sustainability a core element of their business. Their approach inspires us to keep pushing forward in our mission to support sustainable impact.