The consumption of fresh herbs has increased considerably in recent years. These plant products, highly appreciated worldwide for their organoleptic properties, add aromas, flavors, and nuances to dishes, whether fresh, cooked, or infused, and even define the flavors with which we identify many global cuisines; although this is not their only distinguishing feature. Fresh herbs are important sources of bioactive compounds and antioxidants which, in addition to combating oxidative stress - the main cause of cellular aging - are closely linked to important biological activities. This gives them interesting functional properties.
Almeria is the location of the leading European firm in the production of fresh herbs, both in terms of volume marketed and the diversity of its supply, in a sector in which quality is a key aspect.
"Herbex is a leader in Europe in the production and marketing of fresh herbs. We have a broad portfolio, with more than 25 varieties grown conventionally and 18 in organic cultivation, which we grow in our seven cultivation centers, located in Spain, specifically in Tenerife, Guadix and El Ejido, Morocco and Senegal," says Susana Giralt.
"This diversification of production centers allows us to offer a continuous and quality supply throughout the year. Besides, since we own them, we can control the entire production process and guarantee that our products are subject to all the controls required both by European regulations and the company's code of ethics, which prioritizes sustainability at all levels. The company is strongly involved with the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda, including the reduction of plastic."
"We also have our own warehouses and handling centers, totaling 5,000 m², with which we offer our customers greater flexibility in the formats they need, as well as our own laboratories. We have 5,300 employees," says Susana.
"We work for the whole of Europe, where we are leaders in terms of volume sold, with 800,000 kg per year. In fact, 85% of our production is exported to the continent. Our portfolio is very broad and all our products are in great demand, from basil, chives or coriander to sage, thyme or rosemary. And just like in the fruit and vegetable sector, the Christmas season and, in general, the winter period is the time of the year with the highest demand."
Salicornia, the fresh herb of the sea
Herbex's production and nursery activity, which started in 1985, is not limited to the more conventional species. The company's range includes salicornia, a fleshy halophyte plant that grows in saline soils (salt marshes or beaches) with a powerful and characteristic salty flavor, and with a high content of iodine and magnesium.
"Salicornia, also known as sea asparagus, is one of our most valued products. We grow it in Morocco, where we produce some 115,000 kg, and it is in great demand throughout Europe. Consuming salicornia is a great experience. It is a crunchy plant with an intense sea flavor that matches perfectly with fish and seafood. In Spain it is not as popular and it is perhaps more strongly perceived as a gourmet product used by great chefs, but in countries like France or the UK it is consumed as garnish."
New products and new organic range
Herbex has recently added new products to its portfolio, thereby extending the range of flavors it offers to consumers.
"We have introduced hot peppers. We work with different varieties, including the hottest in the world: Reaper, Scorpion and Naga Jolokia or Ghost chili. This product is becoming increasingly integrated in Mediterranean cuisine, even in cocktails, and in Europe most of its consumption is accounted for by Spain and the United Kingdom," says Susana Giralt. "For now, our production amounts to 695,000 kg, which we market in different formats and in different weights."
"Our big novelty this year is our organic range. With it, we have managed to take our extensive experience in the cultivation of herbs to a more sustainable level, while also betting on the reduction of plastic use with the use of packaging made from natural fibers. We have more than 18 varieties of herbs, in addition to the hot peppers, in this organic range and have introduced specialties such as Kaffir lime leaf or curry leaf. In fact, we are pioneers in Europe in the production of organic Kaffir lime leaf," says Susana.
For more information:
Susana Giralt
Herbex
Finca el Búho, Paraje el Boquerón S/N
El Ejido, Almería, Spain
Tel.: +34 950 48 45 00
marketing@herbex.es
www.grupoherbex.com