The domestic herb harvest is now well into its second half. "We still have parsley, thyme, and mint, and we expect to be able to offer these crops from our own outdoor cultivation until Christmas. Regional food retail markets, in particular, are seeing increased demand for regional bunched herbs in the run-up to Christmas. The last coriander of this year's season is currently being harvested. We also still have sage from greenhouse cultivation, although we already have to procure this product from other sources," reports Johannes Adams, an herb producer based in Düsseldorf. In addition to his own bunched herbs, Adams mainly offers his customers air-freighted goods from Kenya, including basil and rosemary.
Johannes Adams is the fifth generation to run the long-established business.
Yields in the open field have been consistently 'satisfactory' this year, the herb specialist continues. "Thankfully, we have been spared major hail damage. We have again scaled back greenhouse production somewhat this year for staffing reasons. Unfortunately, we are also affected by the shortage of personnel, and it is much easier to mechanize harvesting in the open field." Adams employs around eight people during peak seasons, but currently, there are only two.
© Adams Kräuter
Insight into open field cultivation
Parsley and thyme on the rise
Nevertheless, he is considering planting a little more arugula in the greenhouse next year. Adams: "Our customers include many regional restaurateurs who pick up their goods from us themselves. Our greenhouse arugula is particularly attractive in terms of price for this customer group." In recent years, Adams has gradually reduced his portfolio in favor of classics such as flat-leaf and curly parsley. "We have doubled this crop compared to last year. In the case of thyme, we have even tripled our cultivation capacity. On the other hand, we have significantly reduced crops such as oregano."
© Adams Kräuter
The closure of the Düsseldorf wholesale market on December 31, 2024, was also a game-changer for Adams. "Fortunately, we have been able to retain most of our customers, but the additional driving is causing us some problems."
100 years of herb cultivation
The shortage of personnel will remain a decisive factor in the coming years, predicts Adams, who is celebrating the centenary of his family business this year. "Meanwhile, competition in the herb market continues to increase, both domestically and abroad."
For more information:
Johannes Adams
Kräutergarten Johannes Adams
Bonifatiusstraße 67
40547 Düsseldorf
Telephone: 0211 59 23 08
E-mail: [email protected]
www.adams-kraeuter.de
