The Bavarian horseradish has been a beloved product in the whole of Germany for years. However, the cultivation of the regional tubers is only getting more difficult, especially for smaller farms. These producers do not have the financial resources for automation and so quit. The Bavarian delicacies producer Schamel has other worries though: the popularity of the product with younger people.
It was once one of the top products of Bavaria and it was not without reason that the EU decided to protect the vegetable as a geographical speciality ten years ago. Meanwhile, there are only about 100 farmers left who grow the roots, as was reported by a North Bavarian newspaper last week. Why? The introduction of minimum wages and the high workload of horseradish cultivation.
The management of Schamel with on the left Matthias Schamel and on the right Andreas Schöppl
Problems
The high workload as well as the introduction of a minimum wage means that the automation for producers is becoming increasingly more important. Especially smaller farms only partially succeed at this. The family business Schamel has been supplied by regional horseradish farmers for 170 years. Despite that, the delicacies producer has no worries regarding the raw materials. "We are not experiencing any difficulties yet regarding the supply," according to managing director Andreas Schöppl.
The manager of this market leading German company acknowledges, however, that the current developments are limited. "It is true that the minimum wage is a problem for farmers. The company Schamel has, however, responded to this by paying correspondingly higher prices to their farmers in previous years. If smaller farms do quit, the minimum wage is not the reason for this, but the lack of change afterwards," explains Schöppl.
New specialties
It's not only young farmers who need to be made enthusiastic about horseradishes, but also the consumers. "The traditional Schamel products such as fresh and creamed horseradish are especially loved by middle-aged and older generations. We also want young people to start eating our healthy power root. That is also why we have launched the so-called Rasp stix, a horseradish delicacy with rasps."
The traditional horseradish is especially loved by older generations
Schöppl is of the opinion that the German horseradish and the Schamel delicacies especially will remain popular German food products in the future. "There are of course also raw materials from Austria and mainly Hungary, but the Bavarian roots are still the best." For those who are still not convinced, the manager has some final words about his recommended delicacy from the Schamel assortment. "You should try the horseradish mustard and sauces. They are really good!"
More information:
Schamel Meerrettich GmbH & Co. KG
Andreas Schöppl
Andreas Schöppl
Johann-Jakob-Schamel-Platz 1
D-91083 Baiersdorf - Bayern
Tel. 09133 7760-0