Ethiopian horticulture industry has developed over the past 15 years towards a full grown player and put itself on the world map as one of the leading exporter of cut flowers.
Ethiopia has got quite competitive and comparative advantage for the production and export of horticulture product due to among other suitable agro-ecological zones, proximity to EU, USA, Middle East and Asia, trainable workforce with reasonable wage. Eyeing the huge potential of the sector, the government of Ethiopia recently availed 6000ha of land for horticulture in Alage, Arbaminch, Awassa and Bahirdar.
The sector has shown exponential – growth generating 300 million USD in the year 2017 from the export; which puts it on the 4th level of the country other export products. Apart from contributing economic development the sector created a huge job opportunity for over 200,000 people of whom 85% are women.
Currently, Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) member farms are exporting different varieties of flowers; such as Standard Roses, Spray Roses, Hypericum, Alstroemeria, Veronica and Gypsophila to USA states; New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Los Angeles, and Miami.
In order to accelerate the export capacity new developments have been seen with in the past two years. Whereas, the newly built cargo terminal-II by Ethiopian Airlines covering a total area of 150,000 m2 gives a total tonnage capacity of around 1m per annum together with terminal-I. It also includes a dry cargo terminal warehouse, a perishable cargo terminal with cool chain storage, makes it the largest in the continent of Africa. Currently Ethiopian Airlines announced that it started direct flight to Chicago three times a week which makes it 4th destination in USA.
In-order to enhance its competitive advantage especially on the fruit and vegetable export; the ongoing rail-way facility which stretches from Sebeta to Negad in Djibouti is the best example showing the industry is well on track.
In furthering market access and business linkage through participation on international trade fair, EHPEA is going to participate on IFE 2018 Exhibition this year for the fourth time. A collective of different variety flowers from member farms will be displayed on the stand booth no 4758 under its exhibiting name Origin- Africa Ethiopia. EHPEA is delighted and looking forward to meet buyers, growers, input suppliers and learn new technology on this two days expo.
Come visit us at booth No. 4758!!
