"More limited role for Israel as a herb supplier"

After a traditionally calmer summer period in which all herb producing countries are in production, the demand for imported herbs is picking up again. This was said by Piet Bouma of Arava Holland. "The whole package is selling pretty well, from basil to chive and from from coriander to dill. There is also a good demand from rucola, but the supply of this is limited."

Where Israel was the most supplier of Arava Holland by far before, this is not the case at the moment. "We are importing herbs from Kenya, Ethiopia, India and Serbia. In the winter season the Israeli growers will be in full production again and most herbs will be form here again," says Piet.

"The hot summer has caused lower productions in Israel, which means a lot of the herbs are being sold on the home market. They won't export when they can get a good price on the home market. With festivities like this week, the demand in Israel is extra large," concludes Piet.

For more information:
Piet Bouma
Arava-Holland BV
Klappolder 121
2665 LP Bleiswijk
Tel: 0031 10-4337471
Fax: 010-4337461
www.arv.co.il