Ol Njorowa is a rose nursery in Kenya, located in the Lake Naivasha/Njoro region, where the climate is extremely favourable: many hours of sunshine, mild temperatures and ideal growing conditions. The grower works together with the Dutch trading company Fresco Flowers, which ensures a sustainable chain and quality control. Ol Njorowa is certified by FSI Compliance, MPS-A and KFC Silver, among others, which indicates standards in the areas of the environment, social responsibility and good agricultural practices.
What does sustainability mean at Ol Njorowa?
Environment & climate
- Thanks to Kenya's favourable climate (plenty of sunshine, natural conditions), less energy is required than for rose production in heated Dutch greenhouses. According to independent analyses, the production of Kenyan roses is often much more efficient than that of Dutch roses.
- Ol Njorowa has planted trees on a large scale – covering several hectares of land – which contributes to forest restoration, biodiversity and CO₂ binding. For example: 4,000 trees planted on 12 hectares.
- Packaging material: through chain partners such as Fresco Flowers, attention is paid to circular and recycled packaging solutions. Fresco is working on reducing plastic and reusing materials.
Reducing environmental impact
Life cycle analyses (of Fairtrade roses from Kenya) show that the total ecological footprint, including transport by air, can be lower than that of Dutch roses, mainly because the Netherlands consumes a lot of energy for heating and lighting. Kenyan growers, including those with KFC certification, implement water conservation, integrated pest management (IPM) and other good agricultural practices.
Social – employees & environment
- Ol Njorowa strives to create a safe, healthy and rewarding environment for its employees.
- Certification (such as KFC) sets requirements in the workplace: good working conditions, training, healthcare and safety.
- The forest planting initiated by Ol Njorowa also means that natural habitats are being restored: more trees attract birds, for example, which enhances biodiversity and contributes to the ecosystem of the surrounding area.
Popular rose varieties from Ol Njorowa & sustainability
Ol Njorowa cultivates various rose varieties that are also popular in Europe, based on sustainable cultivation:
- Hermosa: A soft pink rose with a sturdy stem and bud, perfect for bouquets. The Hermosa rose is linked to forest planting (thousands of trees) and active environmental management.
- Paloma: Elegant and stylish, Paloma roses are cultivated according to the same sustainable principles (sun, forest, certification).
- Snowstorm: This white rose emphasises that the sunny climate makes the roses extra strong, with sturdy stems and large buds.
- Tacazzi: This rose variety is popular because of its few thorns and light fragrance.
Each of these varieties benefits from the sustainable working methods of the grower: less artificial energy, forest restoration and a caring chain.
Sustainability & logistics: Why is flying acceptable?
A frequently asked question: ‘Is it really sustainable to fly roses from Kenya to the United Kingdom?’ Yes — and here's why:
- Production phase efficiency: Because roses in Kenya grow in natural sunlight conditions, the energy consumption per rose production is much lower than in heated or illuminated Western European greenhouses.
- Net footprint: Research shows that, even with air transport, the combined CO₂ emissions of Kenyan Fairtrade roses are lower than those of comparable Dutch roses grown in greenhouses.
- Chain sustainability: Through partnerships (such as with Fresco), work is being done on packaging innovations, reducing packaging waste and circular solutions.
- Premium for sustainability: Consumers who choose roses from growers with sustainability certificates (such as KFC, MPS) support a chain in which environmentally and socially responsible practices are rewarded.
Why we choose roses from Ol Njorowa
At Surprose, we believe that roses are more than just beautiful — they can also be a conscious choice. With roses from Ol Njorowa, you are not only choosing quality and elegance, but also a future in which people and nature go hand in hand. Your bouquet can make a difference.
