Summer flowers under the African sun, tell us more about that.
With 17 nurseries in 4 different countries, we create the perfect place for each flower in our assortment. This now includes around 100 varieties. We are the market leader in Clematis, Eryngium, Astrantia, and Solidago, and we also grow many niche products. Our goal is to keep surprising florists with special flowers of high quality.
Marginpar has been a partner of Zami for a long time. How would you describe that collaboration?
Indeed, we have been working together for a long time, and in 2021 we even entered into a strategic partnership. At Marginpar, we strongly believe in long-term collaborations where we grow together. We innovate by closely working with our partners in the supply chain. We believe that breeders, growers, and the market must work together to be successful. For our strategic partnership, we were already working together for a number of volume products, especially on the shorter stem lengths. Although we do not specifically grow for these shorter lengths, they are always naturally present, with a substantial volume. Zami has very good sales channels towards large-scale retail, where there is a demand for the shorter lengths. Their specialty is taking care of this type of customer. So we complement each other well. On a daily basis, we supply various products to Zami. You should think of summer flowers like Aster, Eryngium, Astrantia, Solidago, Clematis, Craspedia, and Hypericum. So we deliver flowers year-round, and where possible, we do so without a plastic sleeve.
Is sustainability also an aspect where Marginpar and Zami find common ground?
Marginpar stands for more than just flowers. Sustainability is very important to us. We are a member of the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) and strive for 100 percent sustainable production for all our flowers. All of Marginpar's own farms and almost all partner farms are certified with MPS ABC/SQ, GlobalGAP, and/or KFC Silver. These certificates focus on the full spectrum of ESG: environmental and social. One Flora Group is a driver of a transparent and sustainable floriculture sector and wants to make a positive impact worldwide. So you could say that we also find each other in this area. We dare to grow green together.
A Wetlands project was recently completed in Kenya and Ethiopia. Can you tell us more about this?
Several Wetlands have been established, one at each nursery in Kenya and one in Ethiopia. The Wetlands filter the dirty water from the nurseries for reuse. The process takes place in different phases, with molecules from the dirty water being broken down further and further: by bacteria, charcoal, substrate, and finally five ponds. These ponds each contain specific water plants (Macrophytes) that remove certain unwanted substances from the water.
As the water flows through these ponds, the system supports a thriving ecosystem. Ponds 4 and 5 introduce aquatic life such as fish and frogs. These indicate a balanced and healthy environment. Fun fact: Water lettuce (Nile cabbage) is used as a bio-indicator. By comparing the root length of the lettuce in the first and last ponds, the team can assess the nutrient levels, confirming the gradual purification of the water. Before the treated water is deemed suitable for reuse, samples from the last pond undergo rigorous laboratory tests. If the water meets quality standards, it is pumped into a nursery reservoir, where rainwater is also stored. This water is then used for irrigation.
Do you have more projects like this in the pipeline? Or what other sustainability efforts do you want to pursue further?
Marginpar embraces the entire ESG spectrum in terms of sustainability. There are various projects in the areas of sustainable energy, water management, and reduction of pesticide use through sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, many social initiatives are underway. At Marginpar, 4000 people work. We help them grow within the company, provide education, care, and support surrounding villages. Think of the construction of classrooms, sanitary facilities, infrastructure.
In the coming years, our impact on surrounding communities will be even greater thanks to the Marginpar Foundation.
