Retail wholesaler Hembergs says that there is a growing health trend in the Swedish market for products such as ginger, turmeric, cabbage, sweet potatoes and watercress. There is also a growing interest amongst consumers for vegetarian food.
Most of the products that Hembergs imports are from Italy and Spain, however the company is working on increasing production in the local market.
According to co-owner Henrik Petersson, "We have been busy building close relationships with local farmers and working together with them to help decide what to grow. We are trying to encourage farmers to expand and not get stuck with just the regular crops."
Working under the name 'locally grown or 'selected producers', Hembergs has regular contact with the local producers so they can ensure quality and maintain control on the harvest. Of course, due to the northern climate in Sweden, not all products are able to be grown locally, so the company searches for the nearest possible suppliers.
Hembergs offers over 1,000 products to supermarkets, grocery stores, restaurants, and caterers. "Our motto is, and always has been, that with good knowledge, good service and a good relationship with our customers, we are able to offer the best solution for fruit and vegetables. We are always on the look out for small suppliers who can offer unique products to our customers, but also instil a feeling of confidence about their choice of supplier."
During the summer and autumn season; cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, asparagus, raspberries and blueberries, kale, dill, organic white cabbage, and organic leeks are all sourced locally.
This year has seen the start of locally grown Red Savoy cabbage in Halmstad. This is being met with a lot of local interest in different varieties and colours of cabbage. The smaller sizes tend to be the most popular and root vegetables are also seeing an increase in demand.
