Abundant yields and relatively brisk sell-offs characterize the current market situation for cabbage vegetables. "Business was quite tough in the fall, but sales have accelerated in recent weeks. Due to strong demand in week 1, we had actually expected corresponding price increases for white cabbage, but week 2 has started more quietly so far," reports Hannes Nagel, vegetable wholesaler in Dithmarschen and managing director of the company of the same name.
Until December, there had been considerable price pressure on the cabbage market, Nagel says in retrospect. "For some farmers, certain lots were left standing because they didn't have any harvest boxes left. Then, throughout December, the storages cleared quickly and prices were able to be raised gradually." Furthermore, the Corona problem seems to have leveled off slightly, although declining sales in the restaurant trade are still ongoing, he said.
Start of the export season
Starting in January, Central as well as Eastern European markets traditionally make increased use of German white cabbage. "First inquiries have already arrived and according to current information, there is supposed to be a supply shortage in Eastern Europe. Otherwise, Belarus has recently imposed an import ban on food from Western Europe. We are all curious to see if and to what extent this event will affect our Eastern European business. Despite record high yields, we are positive overall," Nagel explains.
Area expansion for cauliflower and broccoli
Dithmarschen is known to be Germany's leading cultivation area for white, red and savoy cabbage. Nevertheless, other types of cabbage, such as cauliflower and broccoli, have also been gaining in importance in recent years. Nagel says, "We have expanded our broccoli area from 50 to 60 hectares for the upcoming season, and cauliflower is currently produced on 30 hectares. The cultivation of classic cabbage varieties, on the other hand, is stagnating. All in all, we can look back on a successful summer season, thanks in no small part to our ambitious employees."
Unlike white and red cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli are not stored, but marketed fresh from the field from late June to late October. "The marketing of stored vegetables can be absolutely planned, which means retailers are less dependent on medium-sized farms to ensure a year-round supply of goods. With broccoli and cauliflower, it's very different, because the market or supply situation can change within a very short time, which is why market entry seems more feasible here."
In addition, Nagel said the Dithmarschen region offers optimal growing and weather conditions for summer cauliflower and broccoli production. "We have good water availability and hardly any temperatures above 30 degrees throughout the summer. In other regions of Germany, climate change has made growing these crops much more difficult, which has caused a significant increase in demand. These two factors play right into our hands, which is why we decided to expand the area under cultivation. Finally, we also have an advantage regarding our laborers, as we can guarantee them year-round employment." During the seasonal peak, more than 60 employees work on the farm.
For more information:
Nagel Gemüseversand GmbH & Co.KG
Hannes Nagel
Koogstr. 33
D-25718 Friedrichskoog
Tel. +49 4854 - 93 66
Fax +49 4854 - 93 68
hannes@nagel-gemueseversand.de