In autumn 2018, Nordgemüse Krogmann GmbH & Co KG moved into a brand new service centre in Buchholz for the preparation, sorting and packaging of all types of soft fruit. On 1 January this year, the headquarters were also moved from Hamburg to Buchholz: Now the trading and service company is in the process of expanding its product portfolio with new and surprising products, sales manager Christian Steen said in an interview.
Blueberries: Growing demand for organic products
The core competence of the company continues to be blueberries: The Chilean season is currently in full swing and sufficient volumes are available, Sales Manager Steen confirms: "The main volumes will be marketed in week 6, after which we will have passed the peak of the season. The supply from overseas is then expected to continue into March, and from the end of February the first Spanish fruits will also be loaded."
The Chilean season is approaching its peak: the main varieties cultivated there are Duke and Legacy. During and outside the German season (June-Augustus), Nordgemüse Krogmann GmbH & Co KG is the exclusive supplier of the popular private label "Die dicken Blauen" from the Lüneburg Heath.
The North German trading and service company observes the last increasing volumes of organic blueberries. The organic products are sorted and packed in a separate plant, after which they are delivered to the respective customer. "By now, almost every supermarket permanently lists organic blueberries. Organic is therefore playing an increasingly important role. Overseas, too, there are more and more businesses converting to organic, which is why larger volumes are available every year."
Blueberries are by far the company's main product. Raspberries, blackberries and cranberries complement the core assortment. Finally, strawberries and currants are also traded, as well as frozen fruit and vegetables and asparagus.
Mixed berries: New product concept with physalis
In addition to the aforementioned retail products, the traditional North German company is now increasingly focusing on new, surprising product concepts. "A new theme for which we will also install a new packaging line is mixed berries. We pack blueberries in so-called three-chamber trays and then, depending on the season and price situation, blackberries, raspberries or physalis. We peel the physalis here on site and can purchase the 12 months of the year (only April generally shows reduced quantities) from Colombia. Apart from the thriple-chambered bowls, we offer a similar concept as well: a muesli mix in which the same combinations, with blueberries as the basic product, are packed in one bowl."
Gradual expansion of the current production capacity
October 2018 the company moved into a brand new production site in Buchholz with a current capacity of approx. 3,000 m2. The production area counts no less than four packaging lines, with colour and soft sorters "Due to the increased and individual requirements for product packaging, we are planning a further expansion of capacity by 1,000 m2, which we intend to implement this year. The aim is to be able to flexibly meet all packaging requirements - whether plastic or cardboard - in the future as well."
Visit the company at Fruit Logistica 2020: Hall 20 / B-15
For more information:
NORDGEMÜSE Krogmann GmbH & Co. KG
GF: Wilhelm Krogmann / Christian Steen
An der Autobahn 50
29690 Buchholz/ Aller
Tel.: +49 (0) 5071 / 96 80 00
E-Mail: Info@nordgemuese.de
www.nordgemuese.de