High demand leads to shortage of chives and basil

The wholesaler imports his herbs mainly from Israel and India. "Recently, there was an unexpectedly surge in demand,” explains Georg Steinkeller, “The trade wasn’t prepared for that.” The increased demand caused shortages, mainly in chives and basil. “While all other herbs were available, the supply of chives and basil is low at the moment,” says the wholesaler.

Not only the high demand but also the weather conditions played a role in the shortages, according to the expert. “The last two weeks the low temperature has lead to a loss of crops in Germany. This caused an earlier end to the season.”

Around Christmas the wholesaler expects an extra increase in the demand. “Just like all the other products the demand for herbs will increase around Christmas. Apart from that the herb trade is a very stable and regular market. At the moment there are no large fluctuations, neither up nor down."