Demand for culinary herbs surges

AHMEDABAD/KOCHI: Gourmet restaurant and discerning customers are increasing the demand for culinary herbs - both dried and fresh - like basil, french tarragon, rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, chives and parsley. The mild-flavoured herbs are bringing rich dividend to domestic manufacturers and farmers. Increasing disposable income and exposure to international market are prompting more customers in metros to go for culinary herbs and seasonings. According to industry estimate, the market for culinary herbs is growing at a fast pace of 20% to 25% a year.

Trikaya Agriculture, which caters to five-star hotels and specialty restaurant chains, operates from its Mumbai retail store with fresh supplies coming from its farms in Pune and Ooty. "Fives years ago, we were selling fresh 5 kg basil and one kg oregano daily.

Now, we sell 100 kg basil and 5 kg oregano a day. Volumes are going up and I see a growth of 35% to 40% in sales and acreage with people experimenting with western and continental food," said Samar Gupta, MD, Trikaya Agriculture.

The farmer-cum-businessman is growing 11 varieties of culinary herbs on five acre and sells 150 kg fresh herbs a day to large hotels, vegetable vendors, air kitchens, ship chandlers, caterers, exporters and for home delivery.

Gupta said prices of culinary herbs have fallen with new players entering the market which is a win-win situation for consumers. Currently, basil prices in Mumbai market is ruling at Rs 80 a kg and oregano Rs 120 a kg.