Vegetable producers satisfied with prices

From the end of April, the horticulture central Main-Donau eG (GMD) begins with the harvest of vegetables in its open areas. Presently, the grower association grows its vegetables on circa 12,5 hectares of greenhouse grounds. “Since the start of February we have begun with the harvest of our cucumbers and radishes,” reports representative CEO Kai Fuchs: “Gradually we are also commencing with the harvest of our lettuce and tomatoes from the greenhouses.”

"Outstanding quality and price"
They are currently very satisfied with the quality of their products at the GMD: “our quality is presently outstanding,” Fuchs proudly declares. “We currently have no problems at all. Even the prices are very satisfactory.” The currently limited supply of fresh vegetables from the region has made it so that the prices have been ranking highly since the start of the season. “The present scarcity of products has much to do with the weather. In the winter months there was not much light for cultivation. This has led to lower quantities,” the CEO reports.

Customers pay closer attention to origin
“So far, we are very satisfied with the season. The beginning was already promising”, Kai Fuchs declares. GMD is not noticing much pressure from competitors among Dutch and Belgian producers: “When we have products, they are being sold on the market without a problem. Our local products are being sold on the market at good prices. People are in the meantime paying attention to where the products are coming from. In terms of quality it does not make a difference. When it comes to cultivation, mostly all are on equal footing.”

Cultivation ground remains stable
Soon, GMD will reduce its crop cultivation and commence with cultivation on open ground. “From middle-to late April most of our attention will be focused on open ground vegetables. Only tomatoes and cucumbers will also be grown in greenhouses”. The cultivation grounds in German greenhouses continue to remain stable. Fuchs describes the situation: “The trend is moving as such, that many new greenhouses are being built and old ones are being demolished for it.”

GMD with good prospects
Among the customers of the grower association are currently mostly the large super markets and discount stores. “The majority of our products goes to the food industry”, GMD CEO Kai Fuchs reports. He positively looks forward to the coming weeks: “Business is running smoothly and Easter is at our doorstep. We will see what happens after. We are optimistic.”

Kai Fuchs
Gartenbauzentrale Main-Donau eG

Seebachstraße 36, 97320 Albertshofen
Tel. +49 (0)9321 300790
fuchs@gbz-main-donau.de
www.gbz-main-donau.de