Savoy cabbage not popular in Germany

For years, Rheinland has been the region in Germany where the most brassicas are grown. One of these is savoy, which is available during the entire year because it is easy to store. In Rheinland, almost a third of the German Savoy cabbage supply is grown on a total cultivation area of 300 hectares. The producers, however, prefer to focus on other brassicas. "Cabbage, Chinese cabbage and cauliflower are especially popular."

The Rheinland Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Association named Rheinland as the number one place for Savoy cabbage cultivation. This is in fact correct, says Josef Lübberding, who sells at the ELO producer wholesale market in Oldenburg. "Rheinland is great when it comes to Savoy cultivation." Brassicas are the main business of the 20 regional agricultural companies that are part of the association. However, only a few varieties work. "Cabbage, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage are especially popular with consumers. Our Savoy cabbage is not very popular."

On top of that, the revenues for producers are significantly lower than last year and less is being sold. Although savoy is kept in storage by many producers, there is no point to this, according to Lübberding. "The costs of a cooled storage are simply too high compared to the average storage period of 1 to 2 weeks. We want to sell the goods directly after they are harvested." The harvest season is almost over at the in Oldenburg. "Our season starts in August and ends mid November. Then, the German Savoys will be replaced with Italian and Portuguese Savoy cabbages."

A survey amongst other producers in the region supports Josef Lübberding's statements. The Savoy cabbage is cultivated as a by product in small amounts by most farmers, as it is very difficult to sell brassicas when prices are as high as today. At the moment, brassicas are between 0.35 and 0.52 USD per kilo. White cabbage (0.23 USD per kg) and red cabbage (0.29-0.35 USD per kg) are slightly cheaper.

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