According to the Federal Statistical Office, 2018 was a record year for German beetroot cultivation. In 2015, the area under beet cultivation was 1,487 hectares, rising steadily and reaching a record 1,826 hectares in 2018. However, the production volume of 81,037 tonnes was around 10,000 tonnes l
ower than in the previous year 2017 due to the drought. Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia are leading the way in beetroot cultivation.
Between 50 and 60 percent of the area under cultivation in Germany is under contract to the processing industry. It produces juice, canned food and pre-cooked beetroot in vacuum packaging from the tubers. The rest reaches the fresh market loose, pre-packed or bundled with leaves. Also popular are the small bulbous "Baby Beets" and the young leaves of the beetroot as "Babyleaf" in salad mixes.
The beetroot harvested in October and November will be available from cold stores until spring.
Source: BLE