For Hishtil, Israeli breeders and propagators, social media has an important part to play in HishTag#, the company’s ‘digital trial’. Four instalments – video presentations – were released between 7th and 20th July, with more to come. This is an important part of the company’s IT-driven marketing campaign to deliver the message about their new varieties, in a year when most normal promotional activities have become impossible.
A British-bred lavender series, exclusive to Hishtil, and a seven-strong offer of new herb varieties are the highlights of two of the videos. They can be accessed by anyone through the company’s social networks, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
The recently introduced BeeZee series of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), bred near Cambridge by the Kerley family, has already attracted a large demand. Its five colours are closely matched in performance and in their compact habit.
Herbs are a Hishtil speciality. This year sees the introduction of Golden Wind, the first ever yellow-foliaged variety of Lemon-scented Verbena to reach the market.. Lime is a new variety of Lemon Mint, and there are two new varieties of Basil, the cold-tolerant Coldasil and the downy mildew- resistant D-Fencesil.
The company’s range of organic herbs is also being extended. Propagation material is from stock grown to meet the certification standards of leading organic food organisations worldwide.