The fresh herb market is growing year after year. Israel is one of the main producers and Spain is also trying to develop the sector, but its weather is not ideal. "Israel is very organised and the quality of its produce is very high," explains Matteo Mosca from Garden Frutta, a company that produces and sells soft fruit and herbs.
"We market our own produce from Trentino, Veneto, Liguria, Tuscany and Southern Italy between April and November and, in winter, we get our supplies from Israel."
Garden Frutta herbs are destined for restaurants, wholesalers and retailers. In case of overproduction, part of the produce can be sent abroad but there are no fixed supply contracts. "Demand is higher for pre-cut herbs rather that vases, maybe because it is more practical."
"In Italy, people prefer mint, thyme, chives, marjoram and dill, whereas restaurants tend to use more dill and coriander."
"The sector is quite interesting also as regards prices, in fact there are no major fluctuations and it is easy to plan monthly or quarterly supply programmes."
Contacts
Garden Frutta srl
Centro Agroalimentare - Stand 36
Via Sommacampagna, 63 D/E
37137 Verona
Tel.: (+39) 045 8626209
Fax: (+39) 045 8620777
Email: matteo@gardenfrutta.it
Web: www.gardenfrutta.it