"The herb market is doing well. We've managed no less than a 30% growth in our own production and 10% overall over the past year," say Jorne Leemans and Jolien Vanden Berghe, who, since 2024, have been at the helm of the family-owned Dilpack. This Belgian company specializes in packaging and supplying fresh herbs, peppers, lettuce, all types of radishes, spring onions, edible flowers, and cress from its own cultivation. It used to mainly serve the Dutch and Belgian markets; now, there is growing international demand, too.
Oregano on the rise
Jorne notes that the classics like coriander, chives, mint, and dill keep performing well. Oregano is on the rise, especially given the growing popularity of Middle Eastern dishes, where oregano is often used alongside thyme and rosemary. Jolien adds that demand usually depends on international holidays. For instance, the demand for coriander and ginger rises during Chinese New Year and for coriander and parsley during Islamic holidays.
Well-prepared for specific demand
That particular demand is short-lived, so you must be well-prepared, stresses Jolien. "If our products arrive two days late, it's over. That's why we try to respond well to customer demand and regularly contact them to coordinate this," she says.
Sustainable growth
The focus for 2025 lies on further stimulating sustainable growth, especially regarding local and own production. That not only helps Dilpack manage risks related to quality and availability but also offers greater flexibility for client requests. The company strives to provide top-quality products with low MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits). Dilpark finds that essential. "If a grower doesn't meet those low MRLs, we exclude them," says Jolien, adding that their employees work with healthy products and in a motivating environment.
The climate and importsDilpack sees that climate conditions are starting to play a bigger role. Extreme weather, like heat waves and heavy rainfall, can affect cultivation. The company tries to counter those challenges through crop strategic choices and good cooperation with partners. Despite its focus on local cultivation, Dilpack has reliable overseas growers with whom it maintains lasting relationships.
Investing in further expansion
In 2024, the company made significant internal strides. It hired new people, and business is booming. "In 2025, we'll expand our fleet by 20%," says Jorne. There is also a growing focus on organic products, with an extensive organic range, including arugula and baby spinach. That is a good response to rising demand.
Packaging and sustainability
Regarding packaging, Jorne notes that, while there is a growing demand for cardboard, due to herbs' specific storage requirements, plastic is often preferred. Dilpark, therefore, keeps trying to find the best balance between sustainability, food waste, and product quality.
Dilpack
Brusselsestraat 150
1702 Groot-Bijgaarden
Belgium
T: +32 (0)24302470
info@tasteup.be
www.dilpack.be