“Consolidating fresh herbs stabilises an unbalanced market”

It has always been challenging to work with fresh herbs. They are sensitive to weather fluctuations as well as improper handling. For these reasons, the trade in fresh herbs requires high levels of expertise and natural resources. These natural resources refer to climatic conditions and proper growing environments. "It is, therefore, irrelevant whether we accept the notion that global warming affects our industry or not. The facts are before us, and consequences cannot go unnoticed”, says Raymond Van Der Burg of Europe Retail Packing (ERP).

“Instead of waiting idly for more suitable growing conditions, we have decided to take a more aggressive approach. We have decided to create an infrastructure that will include the consolidation of herbs via direct supplies from farms scattered on three major continents”, he continues.

Today’s fresh produce market is far more professional and demanding than ever before. Savvy clients are particular about their wants and needs. Raymond goes on to say that kind sort of attitude clearly characterises globalisation. “On the one hand, it provides incentives to better ourselves and become more competitive. On the other, it creates extreme challenges and obstacles that demand swift solutions and alternatives”, he explains.

Consolidation
ERP has, therefore, invested heavily in its infrastructure in Africa, Europe and Israel. The end-goal is to provide a steady supply of top quality herbs, year-round. “For example, the heavy rains over recent weeks had affected the quality and availability of coriander from Africa. In Spain, the weather has gotten slightly too warm. This has affected how the plant grows. In Israel, the weather in some areas is too hot for growing coriander. This has decreased the supply”, he explains. “In the Netherlands and Germany, however, coriander is grown under ideal conditions in greenhouses. This is the beauty of consolidation.”

Raymond continues by saying that to ensure the company's philosophy does not become just another slogan, ERP has developed a procedural system that including several factors, One of these is forecasting potential outcomes for the various areas that they have invested in.

Israel and Africa
Summers in Israel are very hot. Sensitive herbs such as coriander, dill, marjoram, melissa, chives, and others suffer the most. Here, contingencies will be considered. In Africa, the heavy rains is an issue for quality. Open field crops are suffering from the excessive water and lack of sunlight. There will, therefore, be a smaller supply of dill, coriander, thyme, sage, and mint from the continent.

Europe
The season is only just beginning in Europe, with week 20 marking the full-scale start. The climate in Spain is, however, warming up. There could, therefore, be variations in quality from one farm to another. On the other hand, Dutch and German productions are expected to yield top-notch quality herbs for at least two to three weeks. This is because of the moderate climates and greenhouse cultivation.

Implementation
"This is where we come into play", says Raymond. He adds that their so-called golden triangle allows for controlled quality, sustainability, and service that covers the entire range of fresh herbs. "Our brand, 5 Senses, represents a product that undergoes strict QC standards. It does not, like others, embody one country over another. For us, the benchmark is McDonald's. We aim for uniformity, sustainability, and a steady supply."

For more information:
Raymond van der Burgh
Europe Retail Packing
Mob: +31 621 636 124
raymond@europeretailpacking.nl
www.europeretailpacking.nl