The weather changes in Israel have created large deficits in herbs. "Basil and chives are not available and other herbs are in low supply. Demand is huge, but we cannot even meet our normal Christmas orders. We're at about 30% of the volume that we normally supply this time of year,"says Rogier Alblas from Arava Holland in Bleiswijk.
"The cold weather came completely unexpected. At week 49, it was still summer in Israel, but in week 50 followed a period with rain and snow. We now suffer the consequences," says Rogier. "at night it’s still very cold in Israel, so the growth has stopped completely."
Alternatives are not readily available. "This came so unexpected that we have little available from other regions of origin. Alternatives you have to prepare in advance, and Kenya also has been dealing with bad weather," said Rogier. “I expect that the supply of chives and basil in particular will be problematic. The supply of other herbs will gradually increase somewhat."
More information:
Rogier Alblas
Arava Holland B.V.
Klappolder 170
2665 MP Bleiswijk
Tel: +31 (0) 6 4172 8074
rogier@arv.co.il
www.arv.co.il