MINIMUM ORDER FOR SPRAY ROSES

• Ecuador: 1 Quattro Box = 1 QB = 0.25 FB
• Kenya: 1 Small Jumbo Box = 1 SJB
• Ethiopia: 1 Small Zim Box = 1 SZB

PACKAGING

ECUADOR

Standard bunch: 10 stems

Box types for packing spray roses from Ecuador:

• HB (Half Box)
• QB (Quattro Box)
• EB (Eighth Box)

Average packing by stem length:

40-50-60 cm:

• HB: 250 / 300 / 350 / 400 stems
• QB: 100 / 120 stems
• EB: 50 stems

❗ Important:

EB boxes are not yet available at all farms; only a small number of growers offer them.

KENYA

Standard bunch: 10 stems

Available options: 5 stems/bunch

Box types for packing spray roses from Kenya:

• SJB (Small Jumbo Box)

The number of stems per SJB box may vary depending on stem length and farm:

• 40 cm: 100 - 600 stems
• 50 cm: 100 - 500 stems
• 60 cm: 100 - 500 stems
• 70 cm: 100 - 400 stems

ETHIOPIA

Standard bunch: 10 stems

Available options: 5 stems/bunch

Box types for packing spray roses from Ethiopia:

• SZB (Small Zim Box)

The number of stems per SZB box depends on the specific farm and may vary:

• 40 cm: 220 - 260 stems
• 50 cm: 180 - 260 stems
• 60 cm: 140 - 200 stems

Ethiopian spray roses may be packaged more simply compared to spray roses from Kenya and Ecuador.

PACKING VARIATIONS

Factors affecting the number of stems per box:

• bud size (variety)
• stem length
• market conditions (high/low demand)
• availability of specific box types at the farm

Upon request:

• various packaging options can be selected
• the optimal number of stems per box can be chosen

It is recommended to coordinate this in advance with the manager.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHOOSING A BOX TYPE

For Ecuador, the QB (Quattro Box) is considered the optimal and most popular format among our customers for purchasing spray roses. It has proven to be a convenient and practical solution both during handling and transportation, ensuring efficient use of space and better product preservation.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SPRAY ROSES BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Given the diversity of the product range, production volumes, and market availability, Daoflowers offers spray roses from Ecuador, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Colombia also grows spray roses; however, due to a rather limited selection of varieties and relatively small production volumes, we do not consider it one of our main sourcing destinations for this category.

ECUADOR

• One of the dynamically developing growers of premium spray roses
• The number of buds per stem may pleasantly surprise you
• Large buds, sturdy stems
• The garden spray rose segment is actively expanding (Fibonacci, Be Series, Wink, Dreamer, etc.)
• A well-developed real-time purchasing system with instant confirmation: daily offers from farms and promotions

KENYA

• World leader in the production of classic and garden spray roses
• A large number of specialized growers, which reduces the risk of shortages of specific varieties
• A diverse selection of varieties, colors, and shades for any segment of the floral industry
• Stable year-round production and high availability of most items
• Good vase life when transportation and storage conditions are followed
• One of the best value-for-money ratios on the global market
• A wide selection of quality categories to suit the customer’s budget

ETHIOPIA

• Compared to Kenya, the range of varieties and production volumes of spray roses in Ethiopia are somewhat lower
• Order fulfillment may be less consistent due to limited production volumes
• Compact buds and a neat flower shape
• High-altitude farms yield high-quality, long-lasting flowers

GRADATION

Actual lengths:

• Ecuador: 40-50-60 cm, rarely 70-80 cm
• Kenya: 40 - 70 cm
• Ethiopia: 40-50-60 cm

OPENING STAGE

The opening stage is one of the most important quality parameters, affecting appearance, transportation, vase life, and ease of use for the florist. Unlike classic roses, when evaluating spray roses, special attention is paid not only to the size and height of the buds but also to the degree of development of all buds on a single stem.

The most popular type is the spray rose with buds at a uniform stage of development:

• 4–5 buds are already fully or nearly fully open
• several buds are in the process of opening
• some buds remain closed.

This combination ensures an attractive appearance, gradual blooming, and a longer-lasting decorative effect after cutting.

Regional characteristics:

• Kenya and Ethiopia. Flowers may arrive in a more closed stage, which is the industry standard for African spray roses and facilitates better transport and preservation.

❗ Important:

• The opening stage may vary slightly depending on the variety and farm
• A more closed opening stage in spray roses should not be viewed as a flaw. In many cases, this stage is considered the most suitable for long-distance transport, allowing the flowers to maintain their quality en route and gradually open once they reach the end customer.

PURCHASE FORMAT

Although mixed boxes remain the most common delivery format for spray roses, an increasing number of farms are also offering them by variety and length.

Spray roses can be ordered in several formats depending on the customer’s needs:

• by variety (one variety per box)
• mixed boxes (composed at the farm’s choice)
• mixed boxes upon the customer’s individual request (we can arrange and control for 2–3 chosen varieties to be packed in one box by the farm)

❗ Important:

The ability to compose mixed boxes upon the customer’s individual request:

• depends on the farm and availability
• requires prior approval
• is not always 100% guaranteed, but we do our best to support the process
• for complete certainty, we recommend placing a standing order: in this case, the agreed-upon farm will pack the same set of varieties for the customer every week. Please note that this standing order format may be more expensive than a regular mix selected at the farm’s choice.

PRICING POLICY

ECUADOR

• Prices are often more competitive even compared to African growers, especially during periods of low market demand

KENYA AND ETHIOPIA

• These markets are generally positioned as more affordable

ORDER PLACING GUIDELINES

• Place your order in advance - a few days before the date of departure from the farm.
• Please note: if your order includes popular or seasonal items, placing it in advance significantly increases the likelihood of confirmation.
• Dyed roses - require several days to prepare. Orders are typically accepted 4–5 days before departure from the farm, depending on the complexity of the dyeing process, the season, and current market demand

Also:

• Daily offers on our online trading platform.
• Up-to-date availability and special offers are always displayed, allowing you to quickly find great deals.

AVAILABILITY

Spray roses from Ecuador, Kenya, and Ethiopia are available year-round.

The selection depends on:

• required quality parameters
• length
• budget
• segment (mass market or premium)

One country may be substituted for another in the event of a shortage.

The Daoflowers team is always ready to:

• select the optimal country of origin and variety for your needs
• suggest alternatives
• advise you on packaging, opening stage, quality, and the current market situation

Choosing spray roses always involves striking a balance between quality, opening stage, stem length, price, and the specific needs of the market. There is no single solution that fits all: for some customers, the priority will be maximum vase life and a closed bud, while for others, it will be full bloom, ready for sale immediately upon arrival. Understanding the specifics of production in different countries, packaging, and price positioning helps avoid mistakes during procurement and select the optimal product range.