Shalimar Fresh, a leading flower grower in Kenya, is seeing strong early results with its new bright red rose variety, Revolution®, developed by De Ruiter Innovations. The company says the rose is attracting attention in the UK and EU retail markets, which are shifting towards more vibrant red hues.
“This rose, with its bold color and unique shape, stands apart from the other red roses we grow,” said Arun Mishra, Head of Marketing at Shalimar Fresh. According to Mishra, retailers in the UK and EU are now looking for roses with brighter, more eye-catching tones instead of traditional deep reds.
Feedback has been very positive, he adds. “Florists, wholesalers, and retailers have praised the color, head size, and vase life. These features make Revolution a strong new option for the market.”
Natarajan, the company’s General Manager of Operations, says the variety is also performing well in the field. “It’s not easy to get a true bright red rose, but De Ruiter has succeeded,” he said. “There’s nothing else quite like it on the market.”
Under Naivasha growing conditions, Revolution® follows a 45–52 day growth cycle. The plant performs well in hydroponic systems, producing strong stems and large leaves in its early flushes. By the third flush, the plant stabilizes, offering better disease resistance and consistent quality when grown in soil.
“Our goal is a 4 cm head size, smooth opening, and a reliable vase life,” Natarajan said.
With market demand rising for vivid red flowers, Shalimar Fresh is confident that Revolution® is well-positioned to meet the need.
“Bright red roses are in high demand, and Revolution has the right features—color, size, and vase life,” Mishra said. “We’re expecting strong sales per square meter.”
