Spring is herb season, confirms Ahmed Bouklata, a specialist herb supplier at Cologne Wholesale Market. "We can already offer certain cut herbs such as curly parsley and chives from regional cultivation. For most items, however, we are still dependent on imports from Spain and Italy or air freight from Ethiopia." According to Bouklata, there is more than enough produce available, but there has been another price increase compared to last year. "On average, both imported and domestic herbs are up to EUR 0.30-0.50/kg pricier than last year."
Demand for cut herbs traditionally rises sharply at Easter, which was also the case this year, the herb specialist continues. "The varieties needed for the green sauce popular in the Rhineland are in particularly high demand in spring. These include parsley, chives, salad burnet, sorrel, chervil, dill, and tarragon. In the long term, we are seeing that basil and chives are becoming increasingly popular, even in summer."
In addition to cut herbs in all varieties, Bouklata also sources and markets potted herbs, most of which are sourced from the nearby horticultural settlement of Bornheim. "The peak season for potted herbs continues to run from the beginning of March to August. Although we now offer Bornheim potted herbs all year round, sales figures between October and January are 80 percent lower than in the peak season." Similar to cut herbs, prices in this segment also continue to rise. Bouklata, who supplies both restaurateurs and colleagues at the two wholesale markets in Cologne and Düsseldorf (Hilden), confirms that there were two significant price increases last year.
Classic herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, and sage continue to be bestsellers in the potted herb segment. Bouklata: "Nevertheless, I have noticed for several years now that the variety of products available from Bornheim producers is increasing so that we can now offer unusual varieties such as lemongrass and stevia on a permanent basis."
For more information:
Ahmed Bouklata
Kräuter Express
Cologne Wholesale Market
Tel: +49 221 937262 86
Fax: +49 221 937 262 87
Mobile: +49 177 745 7395
[email protected]