Paris, 15 December 2025  The Consumer Goods Forum announced today that the Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standards (F.O.S.S.) from the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has achieved recognition from the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI). This recognition provides consumer goods companies with additional information to support their independent sourcing decisions. 

Kenya is one of the world’s largest exporters of cut flowers, with the sector valued at USD 835 million last year. Representing around 80% of the country’s growers and exporters, the KFC plays a central role in shaping the industry’s global reputation.

Through F.O.S.S — an internationally known framework covering social, environmental, and good agricultural practices — KFC helps position Kenya as a trusted source of high-quality, responsibly grown flowers.

With F.O.S.S. now achieving SSCI Recognition, under the Primary Production social compliance scope, buyers within the wider floriculture industry gain additional confidence in a standard that supports transparent, responsible production and strengthens Kenya’s leadership in global markets.

Here are a few actions taken by KFC following the SSCI benchmarking assessment to address identified gaps in the F.O.S.S. standard, including: 

• Ensured producers demonstrate legal rights to land and water and that any transfers from local populations occur with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). 
• Strengthened its requirement for producers to implement transparent, accessible, and confidential grievance mechanisms that include protection against retaliation.
• Introduced provisions requiring producers to implement water use management plans that consider local communities’ needs and protect surface and groundwater from contamination or overuse. 

Didier Bergeret, Director of Sustainability at the CGF, said, “F.O.S.S.’ recognition is a significant milestone for Kenya’s floriculture sector. By completing the SSCI Benchmarking Process, KFC strengthens its responsible production practices across one of the world’s most important flower-exporting regions, valued at over $800 million. With over 160,000 workers covered by F.O.S.S, this achievement supports businesses seeking trusted information to guide their independent sustainability and due diligence decisions.”

Clement Tulezi, CEO of KFC said, “We are honoured and proud that the Kenya Flower Council’s Flowers and Ornamental Sustainability Standard (F.O.S.S) has received official recognition from the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to driving responsible social practices and sustainability across Kenya’s floriculture sector. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our member farms, who share our vision of fostering ethical, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the highest standards in social compliance, ensuring that Kenya’s floriculture industry continues to thrive sustainably and responsibly in global markets.”

To date, the SSCI has recognised nine schemes, with a further five currently undergoing the benchmarking process. The SSCI recognises that auditing, monitoring and certification programmes are built upon solid assessment processes and provide information about diverse sustainability best practices while preserving competitive choice.

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For more information contact Luiza Reguse, Senior Manager, SSCI and Zoe Daruwalla, Communications Officer at The Consumer Goods Forum.