Increasing demand for special herbs

Warm weather is definitely not bad for herb sales, although shelf life is still an important issue. The heat even causes a sales boost for some herbs. "Basil is doing really well right now. Mint is also doing good; people like to add mint to there, mojito's (and other cocktails) and summer lemonades. Chives are popular in salads and chervil is becoming more and more popular every summer," says Willem Kea from Greenfresh.

The herb supplier from Rijnsburg, The Netherlands supplies herbs from as close as possible and as far as is needed, "Right now there is enough local product (The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany) on the market, but we do import some herbs year round. For example, some customers want uniform batches from one farm only. Certain imported herbs are more tenable and it is not always profitable to grow everything in the Netherlands, such as rosemary and thyme. Because many of our products are re-exported, we have to continuously provide high quality herbs with best durability. This is one of our top priorities."

Regardless of the weather, Willem is positive about the upcoming weeks in the herb market, "Because let's face it, everyone is in a good mood during the vacation period. The increasing demand for special herbs is quite remarkable. That which was formerly reserved for the top segment, is now being discovered in the mid segment."



From top left clockwise: Wild garlic, Sorrel, Cornflower, Kola herb

For more information:
Greenfresh
Vinkenweg 50 B
2231 NT Rijnsburg
Tel: +31 7140 10806
Fax: +31 7140 10012
willemkea@greenfresh.nl
www.greenfresh.nl