The demand for fresh herbs is about to start picking up. "Summer production slows down because a lot of our customer base–we do a good amount of foodservice such as schools and other educational institutions–they shut down in the summer. People are also growing in home gardens or shopping at farmer's markets," says Philipp Harlov, VP sales and marketing for Infinite Herbs. "So fresh herb demand starts to pick back up around the middle to late September when everyone is back in school and farmer's markets and gardens are winding down. Then, the holiday season picks up for us in early November."
© Infinite HerbsHarlov says demand is growing for Culantro, an herb that is related to Cilantro.
Right now, supply of fresh herbs for the company is coming from New Jersey, where production will remain until about the first frost. Towards winter, Florida production will also ramp up and the company also has year-round supply from Colombia and Mexico as well.
The rise of Culantro
What is also gaining some demand traction is an herb called Culantro, related to the herb Cilantro, though the former has a thicker, longer leaf. "Demand for it is growing year after year because people are experimenting more with specialty and ethnic products. We're also getting a lot of requests generally for a lot of specialty or ethnic herbs," says Harlov.
While planting has been underway for the upcoming season since the middle of summer to ensure there's enough supply for the anticipated demand, the company also grows extra supply to be available for potential new customers.
© Infinite Herbs
A look at the company's product line.
As for pricing, it continues to be steady–pricing on fresh herbs generally stays steady. "Now that the tariffs are in place, we're tightening things internally and looking for cost savings, with the hope that we will not need to pass any of this on to our clients," Harlov says.
For more information:
Philipp Harlov
Infinite Herbs
https://infiniteherbs.com/