Israeli exporter Agriver has said that despite their growing popularity, edible flowers continue to present marketing difficulties.
The company’s latest introduction, alongside relatively familiar violas and similar flowers is an edible orchid which is being used by chefs to add colour and interest to dishes. Speaking at Fruit Logistica a fortnight ago, buyer Yogev Keidar told journalists that edible flowers are becoming one of the company’s most popular lines alongside other perishables including herbs, vegetables and fruit.
The company, which is part of the Vered Group, currently offers some 20 different varieties of edible flower and one key challenge is growing some lines without pesticides due to very strict residue requirements. However, a short shelf life of around a week makes international logistics tricky. “After 3 or 4 days the flowers need to be at their destination,” explained Keidar. “The UK and Holland also grow edible flowers and it is hard to compete with them on the European market.”
