Meyer Gemüsebearbeitung GmbH has always been one of the market leaders in processed and frozen vegetables in bulk containers. For some years now, the long-established company based in Twistringen, in northern Germany, has endeavored to offer its bulk purchasers in the processing industry a growing selection of organic frozen vegetables. In addition to the classic vegetable products, the company more and more often supplies stone fruit and soft fruit, Wilfried Schaffer, Sales Manager Bio, said in an interview with Freshplaza.de.
The core activity of vegetables Meyer GmbH has always been the processing of classic produce such as potatoes.
In general, the company sees an increasing demand for different products for freeze-drying. "At the product level, the carrot is still number one for us, followed by potatoes and onions. Other popular products -besides the classics- are celery, leeks, beans, Hokkaido pumpkins etc. These products are processed in-house."
If required, the regional delicatessen industry within a radius of 300 km can also be offered a range of fresh potatoes, carrots and onions.
Increasing demand for organic goods
In parallel with the rapid development of the North German company, a direct cooperation was established in 2005 with the Polish subsidiary Jarzyny Meyer based in Kożuchów: On the production site there primarily are processed onions, leeks and Hokkaido pumpkins. Over the last few years, special investments have been made for organic production: "Its market share currently amounts to about 6 percent and is definitely rising every year."
Processing freshly harvested carrots.
In the conventional area, Meyer Gemüsebearbeitung GmbH has a regional producer group whose members grow exclusively on behalf of the vegetable processor. In the organic sector, there is no cultivation structure of a similar size for the time being, so contracts are concluded with individual farmers. "Individual batches must also we
igh in at a minimum of 20 tons before it is worth transporting and processing them. Our service is also very complex: We buy goods from neighboring countries like Holland, but we also deal with contract processing on behalf of local customers."
Right: Susanne Willkommen and Wilfried Schaffer at this year's BioFach in Nuremberg, where the company presents the latest advances in the organic sector every year.
Growing export market
Export to Europe and third-party countries is a very important and growing pillar of the company. An interesting growth market, according to Schaffer, is the US, also in the organic sector. "We are also trying to reach the local industry. The organic products often follow conventional product deliveries. "
Frozen fruit: the third development area
Originally, the company Meyer was rather focused on vegetables. Now, it is increasingly offering processed fruits as well, depending on the demand. Apples, as well as various soft fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, sweet cherries and plums, are well received, mainly in the confectionery and freeze drying industry. The company has also recognized the trend towards products in micro-packaging, but remains loyal to industrial customers. "Our specialty, however, is supplying the processing industry with large containers from 10kg or 20kg. We are at this time not really considering direct deliveries to food retailers."
The production hall at the North German main location.
For more information:
Wilfried Schaffer
Meyer Gemüsebearbeitung GmbH
Hinterm Holze 10, 27239 Twistringen,
Tel.: +49 4243 9311-34
Fax: +49 4243 9311-22,
E-Mail: w.schaffer@gemuese-meyer.de
Internet: www.gemuese-meyer.de