Dutch-based Europe Retail Packing has officially launched its 2025 local production season, marking the start of its indoor cultivation program for EU-grown fresh herbs. The company is currently growing coriander, chervil, and white asparagus, with basil, tarragon, thyme, Thai basil, and rosemary expected to follow soon. Basil is just days away from its first harvest.
Omer Kamp, from Europe Retail Packing, reports that the Dutch herb season is off to a promising start, with encouraging yields and high crop quality. However, he also warns that global climate instability poses serious challenges for the herb industry. "While we're used to dealing with fungal pressures like mildew and botrytis, we're now seeing fusarium in several African basil fields," Kamp explains. "It's one of the most devastating diseases in basil cultivation and can remain in the soil for years. Though currently limited to some African regions, it could spread to global growing areas."
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Raymond Van Der Burgh links the emergence of Fusarium to rising global temperatures, record humidity, and erratic rainfall. "These shifts are changing how diseases behave in the field," he says. Max De Vetten adds that field maturity also plays a role: "In agriculture, young fields bring minor challenges, but issues in mature fields tend to be far more severe."
Europe Retail Packing is not only recognized for product quality but also for proactive market insights. "We strive to keep our clients informed so they can make the best decisions," Kamp says. "By predicting supply chain trends, we can adjust quickly and implement preventative strategies."
The company's indoor cultivation techniques offer a significant advantage in today's unpredictable climate. Dutch glasshouses—known for their advanced technology and ideal flat terrain—provide a controlled environment shielded from wind, hail, pests, and sudden temperature swings. "These glasshouses act as a buffer between crops and external conditions," says De Vetten, "ensuring consistent and stable growth."
This method proves especially beneficial for herbs like coriander and chervil. While these can grow outdoors across Europe during summer, Dutch indoor cultivation has delivered better consistency and market readiness. "Outdoor coriander might have stronger color and resilience," Kamp admits, "but in volatile weather, indoor coriander is cleaner and more stable."
Labor shortages are another factor driving the shift to indoor production. "Even when outdoor fields are available, harvesting and packing can be hindered by labor issues," Van Der Burgh notes. "Indoor facilities offer better working conditions and more reliable output."
With its early-season start, premium quality focus, and strategic use of controlled environments, Europe Retail Packing is shaping a resilient and forward-looking approach to herb production for 2025.
© ERPFor more information:
Europe Retail Packing
Tel: +31 (0)174 28 25 10
Email: herbs@erpnl.nl
www.europeretailpacking.nl