At MedFEL, the company Les Halles Mandar presented aromatic herbs grown in hydroponics and with the label “Zero Pesticide Residue” (ZPR). “The range currently includes four herbs - basil, chives, cilantro and mint - which we started marketing at large retailers in 2018,” explains Camille Le Large, product manager of the company.

Hydroponics, a cultivation technique with many advantages
According to Camille, the cultivation above ground, where roots are permanently immersed in water, presents many advantages. “Hydroponics has the particularity of being able to reduce water intake by 90% compared to traditional cultivation. Additionally, we grow with pesticides or chemical products, because the plant feeds on mineral fertilizers added to the water.”

The consumer will easily be able to recognize the aromatic plants grown in hydroponics. Everything will be explained on the back of the packaging. “The plant cultivated in hydroponics has roots, which have been preserved and are visible under a small pile of substrate. This gives a significant advantage to the product that will stay fresh longer, on the shelves but also after the consumers bring it back home. They have three options. They can put it in a new pot or replant it directly in the ground, or keep it the way it is in the fridge, or even immerse the roots again in water so the herb can continue to grow.”

About Les Halles Mandar
Les Halles Mandar is a family business created in 1973 and specialized in the selection and distribution of fruits and vegetables, as well as aromatic herbs. The company also started producing more than 10 years ago, thanks to its production site in the Loiret. It markets its range of constantly evolving fresh aromatic herbs to restaurant professionals and large retailers.

For more information: 
Serge FARUCH
Les Halles Mandar
20 Avenue de la Villette
94637 Rungis Cedex
serge.faruch@mandar.fr  
www.mandar.fr  

Publication date: 5/21/2019 
© HortiDaily.com