The supply of fresh organic herbs looks to be growing coming into the spring and summer seasons. "During the winter, the industry experienced supply issues here and there–it was spotty due to all the rain the growing regions are having, but due to our diversity of growing regions we were able to keep it minimal," says Philipp Harlov, VP sales and marketing for Infinite Herbs. "However, for the last few weeks, our supplies have been looking really good and strong for spring and summer."
Philipp Harlov says for the last few weeks especially, the herb supply has been looking really good and strong for spring and summer.
Infinite Herbs, which also carries conventional fresh herbs, sources its fresh herb supply from its farms in Colombia and Mexico but also domestically from Hawaii, California, Florida, and New Jersey. "We'll also be heading into the local season. It's always a blend of growing regions to diversify in case something happens," says Harlov.
Conventional and organic
As for demand for fresh organic herbs, following the holiday season, Easter is the next holiday which sees an increase in demand. "This past Easter we definitely saw greater demand for organic herbs. Generally, year after year we are seeing at least double-digit growth in organic herbs," says Harlov. "We have some accounts where the majority of the herbs they're carrying are conventional but once they add organic items to their mix, there's a lot of growth."
This past Easter saw greater demand for organic herbs.
It's also part of a greater adoption generally by consumers of fresh organic herbs thanks in part to social media, being health conscious, and other factors. "Younger people are also now cooking and experimenting with them," he says.
Meanwhile, the pricing on fresh organic herbs is increasing with the current pace of inflation.
For more information:
Philipp Harlov
Infinite Herbs
https://infiniteherbs.com/