Germany: 'Oversupply of onions and potatoes on the market'

The domestic onion and potato market has seen very low prices in recent weeks. The so-called ‘potato street’ on the Munich wholesale market has also experienced better times. “Currently, there is an oversupply of onions and potatoes in the market. In addition to that, there is a lack of large calibers among the locally grown onions,'' says Rudolf Lamprecht, Managing Director of wholesale dealer Hornburger.

Due to the current situation, the producer prices of domestic potatoes have dropped quite a bit. Currently, they vary between 10 and 14 euros per 100 kg. The same is true for onions: for yellow onions one currently gets between 0,12 and 0,16 euros per kg. “The majority of onions have a diameter of 70 mm, against 80 to 100 mm for the Spanish and Dutch onions. So the prices of those onions are higher: about 0,50 euros per kg for Spanish onions and 0,30 euros for Dutch onions.”


The Bazerknollen: a regional potato variety and one of the top products of the wholesale trade

Mona Lisa
However, the wholesaler has some unique regional potato brands on offer that are in constant demand. Lamprecht: “First of all, we have the Bavarian tubers, which we package ourselves through our partner company Lamprecht & Felber. These are good for boiling or frying. We also have the Mona Lisa, a beautiful potato. This somewhat floury variety is very good for gnocchis or puree. Of course we can ask somewhat more for these.”

In recent years, the dealer noted that the demand for cut and processed goods is increasing. “We know that commercial kitchens and canteens value this service very much, on the one hand because they have less waste and on the other hand because it is easier for them. But our strength lies in the raw materials.” However, Lamprecht confirms that he is following the trends and, if possible, he is addressing them. “Truffle potatoes for fine dining, that is an important trend. Current seasonal products are the special baked potatoes on the winter market. You pay about 6 euros for baked potatoes. That means about 300-350 euros per bag.”

Services
The company B. Hornburger GmbH has been present on the Munich wholesale market since 1912 and has grown mainly through potatoes and onions. Since the early 1990s, the company has been managed by specialist dealer Rudolf Lamprecht and the product range has been gradually extended. Today's offerings include potato varieties from the French region of Brittany, as well as cabbage, carrots and garlic. The customers of B. Hornburger GmbH are mainly gastronomy suppliers and weekly market traders.

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