Weather extremes in many places made 2018 a particularly difficult year for vegetable producers - both in Germany and in southern Europe. The last year was also very tough for major supplier BEHR AG. Because after having suffered weeks of extreme summer heat in their own country, a large part of the Spanish contract area was hit by precipitation. Nevertheless, this company now goes ahead into the new year with a clear conscience, as an interesting product range expansion is imminent.
The drought in their own country was the biggest challenge of the year. Just in time, the company had invested in complementary irrigation technology. The people responsible would have to alternate in 12-hour shifts, so that the technology could be in use around the clock. As a result, any crop losses that occurred were not too extreme.
Winter season news
In winter, there is a lot of activity on Spanish vegetable fields, as the local vegetable harvest is in full swing. But even in southern Europe, weather conditions in recent weeks really left something to be desired. Recently, there was so much rainfall, and quite concentrated at that, that there were real mudslides on the fields, says a company spokesman. "Where that mud stream went, the lettuces -and the ice berg lettuces in particular- were so full of mud that they could not be harvested anymore, ultimately affecting 30% of the harvestable fields."
At the moment, there is another challenge. The activities, deployed in France by the Yellow Vest movement, is obstructing the punctual procurement of goods and the supply to the customer. "As a result, there are regular shortages at this time. When a truck finally reaches its destination, the goods are no longer needed and will ultimately end up on the open market."
Extension of the organic assortment
During the Christmas season, vegetables tend to remain somewhat in the background. Lettuces are not in the consumers' minds at all. Special mixes for Christmas are therefore not included in the current range. From January -when the dieting starts- onwards, consumption will inevitably skyrocket.
For BEHR AG, 2019 will be an interesting year, as a significant expansion of the organic range is imminent, reveals the company. "Among other things, we will grow organic ginger in Germany, which will be available for marketing in October, and we are currently talking with our customers about which products would offer a general exchange, which could make sense for small products."
For more information:
BEHR AG
Parkstraße 2
21220 Seevetal - Ohlendorf
Tel.: +49 (0) 4185 - 79 77 732
Fax: +49 (0) 4185 - 79 77 739
E-Mail: info@behr-ag.com
Internet: www.behr-ag.com