Panalpina is set to acquire a majority stake in Airflo, a company based in Kenya and the Netherlands specializing in the export handling of flowers and vegetables.

Airflo is part of Dutch Flower Group (DFG), a flower and plant trader, from which Panalpina World Transport (Holding) Ltd. will acquire a majority stake.

Airflo is Kenya’s second largest air freight forwarder, specializing in the worldwide export of fresh cut flowers, plant cuttings, and vegetables, with a focus to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The company employs 167 in Nairobi and Aalsmeer and organizes 1,500 temperature-controlled shipments per week from Kenya, totaling 40,000 tons of fresh cut flowers per year.

“The acquisition of Airflo further expands our presence in Africa and makes us an important player in the Kenyan flower market,” said Peter Ulber, Panalpina’s CEO.

“By going together with a strong global player such as Panalpina, we can ensure that all customers – growers, importers and retailers – will continue to receive the quality service that they are used to,” said Marco van Zijverden, CEO of DFG. “We will further strengthen the supply chain and benefit from Panalpina’s global expertise.”

Airflo’s services in Kenya include quality control in its Nairobi warehouse, palletizing, and delivery of ready-for-transport goods to the ground handling agent at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The process includes a temperature-controlled environment, as well as the use of a vacuum cooler to cool fresh cut flowers. Airflo coordinates its shipments with airlines and takes care of customs clearance at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and onward distribution.

DFG and Panalpina have not disclosed any financial details of the deal. The acquisition is subject to approvals by Kenyan and Dutch authorities.