North America Edition
Increasing demand for fresh herbs in southern Europe is expected to boost the business of UK vegetable seed company CN Seeds in Spain and other Mediterranean markets over the coming year, with listings by major retailers predicted to be only a matter of months away as consumer demand grows.
Following it’s successful appearance as an exhibitor at the recent Fruit Attraction trade fair, which was held in Madrid, Spain from 15-17 October, CN Seeds has reported an encouraging interest from Spanish growers in both the potted and fresh cut herb sectors.
Fresh cut herbs have traditionally been a strong export item for Spanish growers, but the domestic market is also increasing.
Speaking on his return to the UK, CN Seeds’ Operations Director, Dan Nye, predicted that the market for potted herbs would expand beyond northern Europe over the coming months, driven by increasing consumer demand for fresh herbs.
“We are seeing that the market for potted herbs is growing and becoming more important and not just in northern Europe, but also in countries like Spain. Demand for pot coriander is increasing rapidly, although basil and parsley remain the biggest sellers by volume,” said Nye. “We also expect volumes of chive and dill to increase although these remain more regional sellers.”
Basil
CN Seeds has seen strong demand for its new compact basil variety (pictured), CN 5023, which exhibits many of the characteristics required by growers – an attractive mid-green colour, a thick leaf and a very neat plant habit which enables the product to be sleeved and transported with minimal handling damage.
In coriander, the new introduction Cruiser has been widely acclaimed, performing well in both field crop and pot trials.
“The variety has very short internodes, which is great for pot herb growers, but also allows field producers to grow a more manageable crop, and reduces the labour required for bunching,” explained Nye. Slow bolting and a dark green leaf complete the variety’s attractive appearance.
Spanish opportunity
Another product showcased by CN Seeds that also attracted the attention of visitors to the company’s stand at Fruit Attraction was Babyleaf kale; a sweet-tasting product that has made a big impact in the UK and North America over the past 12 months.
Easy to cook in two minutes, Babyleaf kale – a Superfood – has already proved to be a success in North America and the UK and looks likely to replicate its positive impact across continental Europe.
According to the US Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database, just 100g of cooked Babyleaf kale can deliver 681 micrograms of Vitamin A.
Babyleaf kale and potted herbs are just two of a range of products that have helped boost export growth for CN Seeds over the last 12 months.
As well as being driven by increasing sales of Babyleaf kale, herbs and oriental vegetable seeds, Nye believes the growth is a result of CN Seeds’ ongoing investment in breeding, with new product development a key commitment for the company.
For more information:
Steven Maxwell
FreshPosition
Tel: +44 7796 948491
Email: steven@freshposition.com
Twitter: @FreshPosition
www.freshposition.com
Announcements
Job Offers
- Account Manager – North Germany
- Operational Grower - Strawberries
- Retail Key Account Manager
- Sales Representative Southeastern US
- Bedding and Perennials Sales Manager Europe
- Ein- und Verkäufer Obst
- Horticultural Technician
- Agronomist
- Head Grower Strawberries, Norway
- Tissue Culture Laboratory Scientist
Specials more
Top 5 - yesterday
Top 5 - last week
- Thai durian exporter already blocked 100 containers before mid-April harvest start
- GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW AVOCADO
- More dragon fruit from Ecuador breaks the market
- Yet more rain could spell quickened end to South African grapes
- “I hear from our clients that our Gala apple is the best Gala you can find in Europe”
Top 5 - last month
- Thai durian exporter already blocked 100 containers before mid-April harvest start
- "Consumers will happily pay two euros for a Mars bar or can of Coke but not for their veg”
- “Fruit industry in the Eastern Cape is facing a perfect storm”
- Eastern buyers prefer the taste of South African Grannies
- GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW AVOCADO
Receive the daily newsletter in your email for free | Click here
Other news in this sector:
- 2023-03-29 Vitacress Real greening La Place food concept in Hema
- 2023-03-28 What's new on the basil front
- 2023-03-28 Very nice demand for greenhouse arugula and French lettuces
- 2023-03-23 "Here and there, the cold snap has led to price increases of up to 50 percent for herbs"
- 2023-03-17 In western Ukraine, farmers are growing medicinal herbs for export.
- 2023-03-01 Higher demand for herbs from southern Europe, Israel, and Kenya
- 2023-02-27 “A mildew attack or a cold snap in Israel can cause the entire European basil market to suffer”
- 2023-02-23 Could cultivating celery in rewetted peatland aid battle against global warming?
- 2023-02-22 Fresh herb buyers turn to Israel after lower supplies from Italy and Spain due to weather
- 2023-02-21 Local farmers pleased with prices for Georgian herbs
- 2023-02-20 "Stable sales prices for French Löwenzahn, despite increased purchasing costs"
- 2023-02-14 Weather impacts supplies of fresh rosemary, basil, and thyme
- 2023-02-14 Organic herbs in plastic-free packaging in Italy
- 2023-02-03 First producers' organization for fresh herbs founded in Italy
- 2023-01-30 "Last year, we expanded our Dutch greenhouse acreage by 5 hectares"
- 2023-01-30 Constant level of demand despite price increase of 10 to 20 percent for thyme
- 2023-01-24 "No other herb brand in Australia has such an extensive range of punnets and sleeves which are fully barcoded"
- 2023-01-19 Mint is seeing an interesting pickup in demand
- 2023-01-17 Organic aromatic herbs that respect health and the environment
- 2022-12-23 "In the last three days we have seen orders going up by 300%"
