Herbs of domestic production are gaining importance in the German specialist trade from year to year. While the German harvest is currently in full swing, demand is increasing at a rapid pace, observes Ahmed Bouklata, owner of the wholesale company Kräuter Express. The specialist sells potted and cut herbs as well as herbs directly at the Cologne wholesale market. 
Ahmed Bouklata markets its cut herbs under the own brand Kräuter Express directly at the wholesale market booth.
Potted herbs & herbs
Potted herbs from the Bornheimer partner company Marlene Hönig GmbH are an immediate, conspicuous feature in the goods exhibition at the Cologne wholesale market. "Early summer is a good time for potted herbs," explains Bouklata of the current sales. But the regional herbs in the pot are only one part of the broad product spectrum. "What is also going very well at the moment is our new cress varieties from Dreesen, also from Bornheim. The five-herb mix is brand new and has only been available in our range for several weeks. We also offer the Variation Red Radish for about a year. We notice that sales across the entire cress range are increasing year by year."
Potted herbs are purchased directly from the partner company Marlene Hönig.
Fresh cut herbs all year round
In addition to potted herbs and regional herbs, pre-cut herbs are the third and most important pillar of the company, founded in 2004. These are processed and packed year-round in the production facility in Neuss since 2008, after which they land under the own brand Kräuter Express in the catering trade. "Now in the summer 90 percent of the herbs we distribute are from German origin. In winter, however, we access imported goods from various countries of origin. During the cold season, we offer, among other things, airfreight from Ethiopia, as well as herbs from Morocco, Spain, Italy and Israel. Above all, the demand for Moroccan mint is rapidly increasing in Germany."
Red radish-cress from the company Dreesen. In addition to herbs, local vegetables are sold on the wholesale market stall in summer.
Herbal mix for the gastronomy
Although Bouklata is the only specialist on the wholesale market that has a great unique selling proposition, he is always looking for ways to expand his existing service accordingly. "In order to serve our gastronomy even better, we mix our cut herbs on pre-order. This additional service is already well received," concludes the trader.
For more information:
Kräuter Express
Inh. Ahmed Bouklata
Am Lichtweg 42
41470 Neuss
Tel: +49 221 937262 86
Fax: +49 221 937 262 87
Mobile: +49 177 745 7395
Kraeuter.express@yahoo.de