At present, domestic lettuce and herbs are slowly coming to the fore. As a result, foreign products are slowly losing their dominant market presence. Nonetheless, specialized traders and direct importers continue to achieve steady and good sales in the spring, says Munich marketer Georg Steinkeller, owner of Herbafrucht GmbH.
Georg Steinkeller from Herbafrucht GmbH mainly trades fresh herbs and rocket of the Giocola brand. He gets most of his goods via direct import. / Image: Freshplaza
The Munich-based company's mainstay has been formed around herbs from Israel and Ethiopia for around 20 years. The basic assortment - mint, coriander, basil, thyme and rosemary - is in great demand throughout the year. At Easter, sales were up slightly or by 10 to 20 percent, Steinkeller observes. "But if we deduct holidays sales from the bottom line, we have the same turnover as usual. Consumption of herbs always stays almost constant. Above all, it is important that we always have an alternative if there would be a shortage of goods at one of our sources."
Loyal clientele for imported herbs
In recent years, herb cultivation in Germany has increased significantly. Nevertheless, Steinkeller sees a place in today's market for both product segments. "Of course, now that German goods are here, we have somewhat of a slump compared to winter and sales are dropping off abruptly. However, our customers focus heavily on foreign products and appreciate our continuous quality and many years of experience . "The presence of foreign herbs usually increases from October onwards - when the German production stops - and then goes on until March, dependent on the weather.
Depending on the clientele, the herbs are packed in different forms of packaging. "For restaurateurs and bulk consumers we package the goods mainly in 100g, 150g, 500g and even 1kg units. For retail, on the other hand, smaller packages of 15g and 25g are in demand."
Italian leafy vegetables: sales increase every year
In addition to the broad range of herbs, Italian leafy vegetables have been the second major source of sales for Herbafrucht GmbH for about 15 years. Baby spinach, radicchio and rocket, among others, are traded all year round at the Munich sales booth. "With such weather-sensitive products, quality is crucial, especially in winter when many traders carry Italian rocket in their assortment. Fortunately, we have reliable and experienced growers who are always able to deliver, even in the event of a cold snap like last winter."
Steinkeller sees interesting potential for this product segment because of its good relations with local producers and the increasing consumption of Italian specialties. "Of course, it's difficult to predict how trend will develop, but I've noticed that sales have increased over the years." As far as market and variety trends are concerned, the experienced retailer is always up to date." In winter we also eat yellow zucchini from Israel. So far, this has been very well received by our customers. We are currently thinking about what the next range expansion will be."
For more information:
Herbafrucht GmbH
Höglhaus 4 a
D 83104 Tuntenhausen
Tel. +49 160 5524854
Fax +49-89-74719697
E-Mail: info@herbafrucht.de
www.herbafrucht.de