The Christmas tree you can eat

A Christmas tree that's good enough to eat is the must-have decoration at Waitrose & Partners this Christmas. Herb-loving shoppers are in for a treat as the retailer will be stocking rosemary…

Italy: the growing aromatic herbs sector

Massimo Gambuzza is the technical and marketing manager for the Azienda Giudice Martina Franca, “We can count on a covered surface of 16 hectares. Thanks to this, our company is one of the most important in the basil production sector in Sicily. We have grown by 4 hectares in 2 years only – as a…

Willem Kea (Greenfresh): “Ready to meet demand for Christmas herbs”

Metamorphosis of purchasing and sales organisation into direct partnerships from the source

The approaching holidays always cause some busyness on the herb market. “Herbs are typically a product group that’s supplemented at the last minute. Fortunately we know what to expect regarding orders from permanent customers and relationships. We’re already seeing considerable demand, and we’re ready to…

Consolidation and customization of fresh herbs stabilizes an unbalanced market

Within the entire scope of agriculture, the fresh herbs segment remains, to this day, the most delicate, sensitive and elusive of all. As opposed to other varieties of fruits…

Parisian supermarket becomes self-sufficient with indoor herb-farm

We've showed you before that the French like their veggies to be grown nearby. The French supermarket Metro has taken this even further and is now growing herbs in their own supermarket. Chives, basil, coriander, mint, dill and parsley are being grown at the moment in this Parisian Metro store. The…

"When we say zero, we mean zero"

Belgium: Weekly supply of zero residue herbs at Van Laethem

"Two weeks ago we unloaded our first shipment of herbs that were cultivated without the application of phyto products. From now on we expect a supply of five herbs every week, herbs that are cultivated without the use of crop protection products", says John Van Laethem of the company with the same name.…

Rocket from Piana del Sele

"We started sowing, producing and commercializing various rocket varieties in the 1990s and have always searched for seeds that could reduce the incidence of fungal diseases to the minimum," explains Luca De Martino, producer from Pontecagnano (SA). Due to its soil and weather conditions, Piana del Sele is defined as the leading domestic (and European) area for…

Gärtnerei Kiemle relies on year-round availability of own herbs

''Enough of our own herbs to cover Christmas sales spike''

In December, the demand for exceptional products like herbs usually grows. More and more local gardeners and direct suppliers jump on this bandwagon and set themselves the challenge to be able to offer their own aromatic herbs all year round. Nursery Kiemle, which is headquartered in…

Austrians create new opportunities for direct marketers and restaurateurs

Novel system enables aroma-friendly drying of herbs

Dried fruits and herbs lose a lot of their characteristic elements during drying. Six years ago, two innovative entrepreneurs from Austria faced the challenge of developing a process in which the fresh produce can be dried gently and naturally. After numerous attempts, their modern system was…

Fishes and plants, bred with shared water and nutrient cycle

Unusual, but effective aquaculture in Berlin

A Berlin start-up is breeding bass and basil in the same waters. The fish are providing the nutrients for the plants - an unusual but effective form of aquaculture. Fish…

Spain: Aromatic and medicinal herbs, an alternative in irrigated areas

The Center for Scientific and Technological Research of Extremadura (CICYTEX) is working on a project to diversify the supply of medicinal and aromatic plant crops. The idea is to have high-quality sustainable productions in Extremadura. Trials are being carried out with various species: oregano, Thymus zygis, lavender,…

The organic aromatic herb sector is growing

"We believe organic agriculture is the only option for the future. We chose to pursue it not only with our plants but when it comes to packaging as well by launching our new biodegradable recyclable packaging," explained Carlo Simonato and Rosanna Bertoldin, respectively brand owner and marketing manager…

Also hoping to market parsley, chives, rosemary and thyme

Kenyan fresh produce exporters look to China

Fresh produce exporters from Kenya are looking forward to the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE), which takes place next week, hoping it will help grow the market…

China: Sharp drop in coriander prices

The price of coriander rapidly increased not too long ago. Many farmers quickly changed their crops to increase their production of coriander, which gradually began to enter the market in large volumes. The great market conditions, however, did not last long. The price of coriander suddenly began to fall…

"Before, we farmed flowers. Now it's aromatic herbs"

Farming wild arugula in Salento

Alessandro Manzo, production manager of Natura Salentina, explained to FreshPlaza, “Everything we farm here in Salento is characterised by an authentic taste. Mostly, we produce aromatic herbs, but arugula still remains our core business”. “The increase in the consumption of vegetables and the contextual economic crisis pushed us to rethink our business…

Spain: Nazca private equity becomes majority shareholder of aromatic herbs company

The Spanish private equity management company Nazca has become the majority shareholder of Herbex, the number one fresh herbs company in the European market, based in El Ejido, Almeria. In a statement, the heads of Nazca have pointed out that the founder of Herbex, Jaime Visquert, will retain a "significant" share and…

The Gemini basil: an alternative from Sais

Last August Sais introduced a new variety of Italian basil: Gemini. The new variety, which increases the already wide Sais catalogue of Italian basil, carries an important innovation that gives it a high tolerance to Downy mildew (Peronospora belbharii) and Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilici). Basil Gemini-…

Patrick Stoffels, Gaia Herbs:

"Herb market switching from European to Israeli and Kenyan products"

European herbs are, once again, slowly making way for African and Israeli products. "We had a good European season. The heat did destroy some products. This has resulted in high demand for herbs from Kenya and Israel. There was limited availability of, especially, chives. The demand for Kenyan herbs is,…

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