Dried herbs and spices are natural and healthy flavor enhancers. They also increase the functional appeal of the food to which they are added. Herbs such as basil, marjoram, bay leaves, ginger, turmeric, parsley, and thyme contain antioxidants, vitamins, and free radicles. They also possess antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help fight infections; reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation; and regulate blood sugar levels. Thus, rising interest in home cooking, increasing demand for natural food flavorings, and benefits of dried herbs and spices drive the Europe dried herbs market growth.
The growth of e-commerce has been remarkable due to the digital transformation, which benefits various industries, including herbs & spices. Consumers are increasingly shifting toward online retail channels due to the convenience of remote shopping for a wide range of products. In addition, these platforms provide huge discounts and attractive deals to their customers, which is one of the unique selling propositions (USPs) of e-commerce platforms. Furthermore, these platforms provide detailed product descriptions, customer reviews and ratings, and multiple payment options that help consumers to shop for the desired products hassle-free. Online retail platforms also provide transparency throughout the shopping process, which enhances customer satisfaction. As dried herbs are more expensive than other commodities, customers should be well aware of the ingredients and additives in the products during the purchase. Detailed information about the product and claims such as organic, GMO-free, and allergen-free provided by online retailers help consumers choose the right product. Thus, the benefits of shopping herbs and spices through e-commerce channels will positively impact the Europe dried herbs market in the future.
Based on type, the Europe dried herbs market is segmented into marjoram, basil, cilantro/coriander, parsley, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, dill, spearmint, peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus, and others. The oregano segment held the largest share of the Europe dried herbs market whereas thyme segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Thyme is an aromatic herb from the mint family. It is an important ingredient in French, Italian, and Caribbean cuisines. Thyme is largely used in meats, gravies, soups, stews, and other recipes to enhance their zest and aroma. It is highly flavorful and does not mask the flavor of other ingredients when used with other herbs and spices. Dried thyme provides numerous health benefits such as alleviating headaches, increasing focus and concentration, reducing stomach pain, and fighting acne and other skin ailments. Therefore, consumers prefer herbal teas infused with dried thyme. It is also used in oils and vinegar to impart a specific flavor to various recipes, especially salads. Dried thyme is used in a variety of dishes such as roasted chicken, lamb, cheesy dishes such as macaroni, mushroom soups, fish, and pesto sauce. Thus, the use of dried thyme in various dishes is expected to drive the thyme segment growth in the Europe dried herbs market over the coming years.
A few major primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing the Europe dried herbs market report are company websites, annual reports, financial reports, national government documents, and statistical databases. Koninklijke Euroma BV, Sonnentor Krauterhandels GmbH, McCormick & Co Inc, Kotanyi GmbH, Verstegen Spices & Sauces UK Ltd, Steenbergs Ltd, Shender Group Ltd, Country Products Ltd, Tongmaster Seasonings Ltd, and Forest Whole Foods Ltd are the major companies listed in the report. These companies face competition on the basis of a wide product portfolio. Moreover, companies are adopting various development strategies to enhance their market share.