Vitacress Real from Venlo is preparing for the traditionally busy Easter sales of fresh cut herbs and potted herbs. According to director Ralph Coenen there is no question of large shortages. "With fifteen different herbs in our assortment there is always one with limited availability. There are currently shortages in basil and dragon in the market, but so far we have been able to meet our customers' demand."
Portuguese cultivation
With cultivation locations in the Netherlands, Germany, England, Spain, Portugal and Kenya, Vitacress Real - a joint venture between Gipmans and Vitacress - has a wide pool of resources. "At the moment we are getting a lot of herbs from Spain and Portugal and Kenya is also an important supplier at the moment. We are also in full preparation for the summer season. Everything has been planted and if the mild weather continues we hope to start earlier than last year," says Ralph.
"The quality of the herbs is good at the moment. We faced some challenges due to El Nino, but we have no complaints about the quality," continues Ralph. He sees samphire and mint grow in popularity as notable exceptions. "Parsley and chive are in demand specifically for Easter, as they form good combinations in egg dishes."
According to Ralph the herb prices are at a stable level. "We are, in contrast to the tomato and cucumber people, not bound to daily fluctuating prices. This way we can focus on other important things such a novelties and concept development, instead of having the eternal price discussion. And this leads to good things. We are looking for product combinations. Whereas catering is looking for new products, retail often offers the five to eight well known herbs. But there is often more possible in combinations.
"We see an increasing demand for lemon thyme, as it is well suited for tea. Previously, we developed a special herbal butter with fresh herbs, with which the consumer can present their own freshly made herbal butter within five minutes," concludes Ralph.
For more information:
Ralph Coenen
Vitacress Real BV
M +31 6 51 711 504
[email protected]
www.vitacressreal.com
