Demand for edible flowers and fresh herbs is growing rapidly, driven by the rising popularity of home cooking and increasing interest from the premium HoReCa segment, AGF reports.
The Dutch company Van Vugt Kruiden has transformed edible flower cultivation from a hobby into a large-scale international business. Every week, hundreds of packages of specially prepared violets are shipped by air to Dubai, where they are used in high-end restaurants, confectionery products, and as decoration for champagne glasses.
The company employs 320 people and focuses on sustainable production. Van Vugt Kruiden has phased out gas use and grows its products using environmentally friendly methods. In addition to the Middle East, the company supplies edible flowers, culinary herbs, and microgreens to supermarkets and foodservice outlets across Europe.
“Previously it was just a hobby, but today edible violets have become a permanent part of our assortment alongside herbs and baby leaves,” said company owner Piet van Vugt.
The growing popularity of Van Vugt Kruiden’s products is linked to changing consumer habits, as people increasingly shift away from convenience foods in favor of fresh ingredients. Demand for colorful edible flowers and fresh greens traditionally peaks during holiday periods.
