In northern Germany, near Hamburg, the harvest of the classic autumn and winter vegetables is getting underway. Although the first Hokkaido pumpkins have already been harvested, they will only appear in processed form in German food retailing from next week onwards. Turnips and carrots will also be delivered in peeled and cut form from week 36 onwards, reports Madelene Uhrbach from the family business with the same name, based in Winsen (Luhe). "For the first time this year we have a new mix of orange and yellow carrots on offer. Another novelty in the range is our vegetable mix of sweet potatoes, yellow carrots and kohlrabi, which we can also supply from the beginning of September. " 
The new Gemüsinis packaging design.
The Uhrbach family of producers has been specializing in the production and processing of outdoor vegetables for almost six years. At present, there are six different varieties for the broad product range, including the salsify, which will arrive on the market as of October at the earliest, due to weather conditions. Otherwise, the full selection is usually available throughout the winter season. "Pumpkins usually end a little earlier than the other products, towards the end of January. For Christmas we will briefly offer processed red cabbage."
The salsify roots are still offered in a vacuum bag at the PoS, but even with this packaging, it has been possible to reduce material by up to 50 percent.
New packaging concepts
In addition to the conversion to product level, the packaging of the vegetable niches has also been significantly restructured. All products will be packaged in a protective atmosphere and in a small bowl starting this season. "The new equipment allows us to save 70% of packaging waste for most products.
The salsify remains in a vacuum bag: Due to the use of smaller bags and fewer labels, we can reduce material in this area by as much as 50 percent. An additional advantage for the food retailers is that the new design means that the products now take up less shelf space, even though the units themselves have remained the same." 
Gemüsinis in the 'old' packaging on the supermarket shelf.
Online-Shop
In addition to supplying the German food retail trade with fresh, processed outdoor vegetables, direct trade with end consumers is an important pillar of the company. For this purpose, the committed grower family has set up an online shop. "This shop is being run in parallel to our deliveries and has already proven itself as a marketing channel. Many customers come to us directly if they can not find the Gemüsinis in the local supermarket."
Large consumers also benefit from peeled vegetables
The Gemüsinis are also very well received by larger consumers. "They are used to make soups, stews and the like, while large kitchens and canteens can save time, money and effort by buying our products, which have already been peeled and pre-cut."
For more information:
Uhrbach Gemüsinis
Inh. Alexandra Uhrbach
Boschstr. 24
D-21423 Winsen (Luhe)
info@uhrbach-gemuese.de
www.uhrbach-gemuesinis.de
www.gemuese-box.de