"Herb cultivation in Africa has the potential to become a world-leading sector," assures Willem Kea, of Greenfresh. His company has been importing herbs from Africa for many years. The continent, according to Willem, offers several major advantages, including scale and a stable climate. Over the past five years, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia have all registered a significant growth.
In the coming years, Willem expects demand for herbs to further consolidate. "More and more consumers know how to use herbs." Africa is developing into a major player in this market. "Israel has more specialties and varieties, but Africa is better in mass production."
Large acreage
Prices are not the most important competitive advantage of African herb growers, explains Willem, but especially the climatic conditions and scale. "In Kenya, there are companies with 50 to 60 hectares devoted exclusively to the cultivation of herbs. In Israel, it is often smaller growers who work in cooperatives. If you have to supply large, uniform batches, Africa is a better option."
Climate and MRLsKenya has a stable climate with spring-like weather and colder nights. This is not only beneficial for the taste, according to Willem, but it also leads to a better performance when it comes to residue. When using phytosanitary products, the labels state for how long the crop cannot be harvested after watering and how long it takes for the chemical to disappear. "In good weather, the degradation is faster than in cold weather. In Israel, weather fluctuations are more likely, so you're never sure." There are examples of growers complying with every rule, but with MRLs exceeded in some cases. "This happens purely because of the weather."
To reduce the use of crop protection products, African herbs are also grown in greenhouses. "There is open field cultivation, but also in closed greenhouses. This is mostly done to protect the crops from insects, so fewer pesticides are needed. Another part is grown in tunnels. Because of the rainy season, the herbs must be protected."
Trade with Africa entails no problems. "Uganda and Kenya have Western-oriented Governments, so it is easy to do business with them. Because of the EU's strict requirements, you really need to prevent batches from being rejected, but if you follow the rules and check the cargo, there is no problem."Africa's share on the rise
"The share of different suppliers varies per season," explains Willem. "In the winter months, about 70% of our herbs come from Africa. In the summer months, the percentage is lower." As soon as Europe starts producing, Greenfresh goes more for this source. "You have to be able to supply year-round, but if the product travels fewer miles it is of course better from a sustainability point of view."
The share of Kenyan herbs at Greenfresh has sharply increased in recent years. "If Israel and Kenya were supplying 100% of our herbs, about 65 to 70% would come from Kenya and another 30% from Israel."
"We also urge our growers to take care of social issues. Our two main producers are certified in regard to the treatment they give to their employees. We also try as much as possible to produce organic and to make the switch towards organic; it is a market still with plenty potential."
More information:
Greenfresh
Willem Kea
Vinkenweg 50 B
2231 NT Rijnsburg
T: +31 7140 10806
F: +31 7140 10012
E: willemkea@greenfresh.nl
W: www.greenfresh.nl/