Agrexco's Michael Caddy believes 2005 could be the year chervil makes a comeback in the UK supermarkets.

Availability of the product from Israel is very good - Agrexco is exporting a tonne a week at the moment - and Caddy told the Journal that a change in production methods has borne fruit for growers of the herb.

"We are telling growers to plant modules rather than drilling it, allow it to grow for longer, and harvest at 60cm length. Chervil used to be harvested earlier and was more tightly drilled, but these methods are giving us a much stronger and more mature product for our customers.

"One of the reasons that chervil died out of use in the UK was the inconsistency of shelf-life when it was harvested young and lacking in maturity. Now, the product is better and with the right packaging there is every chance we will see it in the supermarket and foodservice sectors again. It has a subtle aniseed flavour and is good with fish, soups or as a salad ingredient."

Chervil will be Sainsbury's herb of the month in February, said Caddy, and he believes this could be the first sign of the reintroduction of the herb as a major supermarket line. Garlic chives have been the herbs of the month in January and sales have increased significantly, he added.

"One of our objectives this year is to encourage people to utilise herbs as a full plant. We want them to recognise the benefits of a strong, solid stem in soup, stocks and smoothies, tips in salads and to continue to use leaves in traditional ways

Agrexco, through its Carmel brand, is the sponsor of this year's Foodservice Supplier of the Year award, at the Re:fresh Awards in May.

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