The wet, dark start to the year has meant a slow start to herb growing in the UK. Dean Fowler from R&G Herbs says it has not all been bad though, "Sales have been good since the start of the year, and with the great weather last week the growing season has livened up." R&G grow all the herbs outside on open ground and growth of perennials is currently running a week or two behind.The company based in Surrey, managed to escape any damage from the floods which devastated parts of southern England last month. "We are on slightly higher ground," explains Dean. "We have good, well drained soil here. As always it is impossible to say what the weather will do in the coming months, but I’m confident we can catch up."
R&G import from Jordan, Spain, Africa and Europe to supplement the UK supply. Dean says they source from a small grower base in other countries and work very closely to optimise yield, become more efficient in water use and producing less waste.
They have been working together with one Spanish grower for nearly 45 years. Coriander remains the number one seller in the UK, with basil, flat parsley, chives and mint the other consistent best sellers. Fowler explains that coriander is most popular due to the amount of herb needed in various dishes such as curries. Thai basil and some of the other oriental inspired herbs seem to also be holding well in the market.
R&G launched a new range of branded fresh cut herbs, Nature's Flavours around two years ago and according to Fowler it is going strong. "Nature's Flavour has seen good sales growth in the past two years. In the food service industry and with the meal service companies who find our 10g and 15g pack ideal to deliver with the other ingredients."
For more information:
Steve O'Rourke
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 329 521
Email: steve@brandremix.co.uk
www.brandremix.co.uk