High demand and correspondingly high sales characterize the current sauerkraut market. "In the fall, the classic peak season starts, then from January to Easter there is a significant drop. We are currently about 50% above the sales level in the previous month," says Hans-Peter Rödel, Managing Director, of the sauerkraut factory of the same name based in Trogen, Bavaria.
Founded in 1975, the sauerkraut factory mainly supplies wholesalers, retailers and industrial customers with high-quality cabbage from its own production. "In our experience, we have always had a very strong presence in the retail sector, but due to the slump in the food service industry, people are now cooking more at home, which is why we are seeing increased sales in that area," Rödel said.
Abundant raw material supply
Raw materials are sourced both within and outside the region. Rödel: "In other years, we have had below-average yields several times; this year, the summer was relatively wet, which has been optimal for white cabbage. Accordingly, regional farmers have recorded a bountiful harvest, which is why we are well-supplied."
In addition to the classic sauerkraut, Rödel Ltd also offers red cabbage and table horseradish. These are delivered all types of containers, from 500 grams to 50 kg.
Unavoidable price increase
According to Rödel, the price situation is relatively constant, but significant cost increases within production are becoming more and more noticeable. "Therefore, an increase in trade prices in the near future is inevitable from my point of view. Because we are not only talking about wages and energy, but packaging is also becoming more expensive all the time. We have already been struggling with longer delivery times for several months, and the first bottlenecks are now appearing, slowly but surely."
Sauerkraut production / Image: Rödel Ltd
Organic share on the rise
Despite the current challenges, Rödel is confident about the future of the sauerkraut industry overall. "Although per capita consumption fluctuates from year to year, it is quite stable in the longer term." For the time being, the experienced supplier does not dare to try new flavors or sauerkraut variants. "We are sticking with the classic product, which we offer in both conventional and organic quality. The organic market share could be increased to about 50% in recent years and I still see further growth potential."
For more information:
Rödel GmbH
Hans-Peter Rödel
Hauptstrasse 56
95183 Trogen
Tel: +49 / 09281 / 7363-0
Fax +49 / 09281 / 7363-11
Mail info@roedel-sauerkraut.de
Web: www.roedel-sauerkraut.de