"Rogier Alblas (Arava Holland): "Less herbs on Christmas menu this year"

Israeli herbs in low supply after unexpected cold

The change in weather in Israel caused large shortages in herbs. Basil and chives are not available at all and other herbs supply is also minimal. The demand is very high, but we cannot even fill our normal Christmas orders. We are at about 30% of the volume which we normally supply this time of the year" Rogier Alblas of Avara Holland from Bleiswijk tells.

"The cold weather arrived completely unexpected. In week 49 it was still summer, but in week 50, the week with the most rain and snow of the last few years,
followed. Now we have the results of this," Rogier says. "In the meantime the weather in Israel is reasonable during the day at about twelve degrees, but it is still very cold at night, stopping growth altogether. If the weather is good to-day harvesting cannot just start tomorrow."

There are no immediate alternatives. "This arrived so unexpectedly, that we do not have many herbs available from other areas of origin. Alternatives are to be arranged beforehand and Kenya also experienced bad weather," Rogier says. I especially expect the supply of chives and basil to remain problematic for a while. Supply of the other herbs will slowly increase. "We shall have to be satisfied with a less herbs on the Christmas menu this year."

For more information:
Rogier Alblas
Arava Holland B.V.
170, Klappolder
2665 MP Bleiswijk
Tel: +31 (0) 6 4172 8074
rogier@arv.co.il
www.arv.co.il

Publication date: Fri 20 Dec 2013