Potatoes and onions have always been the hallmark of the northern German region of Lüneburg Heath. However, climate change can be clearly felt here as well, because heat and prolonged drought have affected the harvest several times in recent years. Nonetheless, Bremen potato dealer Ulrich Eggers still sees good marketing opportunities for the regional products. Under the private label Tolle Tuber, he markets his goods to both wholesale customers and regional food retailers.
Ulrich Eggers at the wholesale market stall in the Bremer Markthalle.
For over 40 years, the retailer has been at the helm of his company, with great passion. Despite the tremendous changes in trading, the company's core range has remained almost the same over the years. This is because potatoes, onions and complementary vegetable crops -exclusively from the region- have always defined Eggers' day-to-day business.
"In addition to the stall sales I supply the headquarters and regional branches of Edeka with fresh potato and onion specialties: The raw material comes harvest fresh from the field and is delivered directly from me with tractor and trailer to the local branches." Up to 80% of this direct delivery takes place on the weekend instead and new branches are added constantly," Eggers says about the lucrative business.
Handpicked and sustainably packed
The dedicated potato trader offers his wholesale and food retailers a wide selection of regional potato varieties, including: Belana, Annabelle and Cilena, which are sourced from permanent suppliers.
"These direct relationships enable us to offer high-quality potatoes at an early stage," Eggers adds. The competition on the German potato market is extremely tough. The eye-catching private label and Eggers' complementary service is however appreciated by the customers, regardless of whether they are a wholesale customer or a retail outlet. "Culinary actions are still one of our trademarks. This is barely done and is therefore an interesting USP for us. Also our potatoes are mostly reared by hand and packed in paper sacks. This is well received by Edeka."
First class tubers from the region form the core competence Eggers. Laura's red-rooted potatoes are consistently well received by customers. These are offered in various containers: 2.5, 5 and 7.5 kg sacks.
Current market trend
Despite the difficult weather conditions of recent years and the annual yield losses, Eggers sees the future rather positively. "In general, everyone is talking about declining demand: but I see households with children cooking more at home. This is good for our business. "At the moment supply and demand are in balance, according to the trader on the current market situation. "Usually, demand is gradually skyrocketing until Christmas. Hopefully this will also have a positive impact on pricing."
In addition to potatoes, Ulrich Eggers also offers his customer base red and yellow onions, preferably from regional cultivation. Depending on availability, Dutch onions are marketed in addition to the northern German onion offerings.
Good starting position with the onions
In contrast to the potato market, there is a bit of tailwind in the regional onion sector. "The onions have had perfect weather this year: In the course of this, the starting position is currently quite pleasing."
For more information:
Ulrich Eggers Kartoffel- und Eiergroßhandel
Inh. Ulrich Eggers
In der Heide 2
27321 Emtinghausen
+49 4295 6955689
Großmarkt Bremen
T: +49 4215963336