Joachim Stracke (Frische Institut) is always on the lookout for innovation for the fruit and veg sector and is now one of the top experts in the distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. "I have been working in food retailing for 36 years and am permanently looking for innovations, especially for the optimization of the fruit & vegetable department," says Stracke. "I was all the more pleased to be invited by HEPRO Ltd to present a highlight from this year's asparagus season in food retail. Fruit and vegetables are more than a passion. We must never lose sight of the business benefits!"
"Consumers were less likely to go for asparagus this year. The word "inflation" and "expensive" has almost led to a buyer's strike," says Christoph Wolter, managing director of HEPRO. The mechanical engineering company based in Rheda-Wiedenbrück is known for its asparagus peeling machines and, for some years now, for its "emotional boosting" pineapple peeling machine "pina to go".
Joachim Stracke and Christoph Wolter present their joint sales concept for German asparagus
German asparagus still in vogue
"At the beginning of the season, German asparagus came out above last year's prices very briefly, due to the weather. However, the price quickly moved to or below last year's level. However, German asparagus will continue to be hype in the future - the short season and the annual wait for the delicious and healthy vegetable will remain," Christoph Wolter is certain.
Joachim Stracke worked, among other things, for 14 years as a specialist consultant and sales division manager at EDEKA in the fruit & vegetable sales department and himself managed a fruit & vegetable specialty store for 10 years. He discovered Innovation 2022 for the food retail and vegetable processing business at HEPRO and explains: "The German asparagus season continues to be a highlight in the promotional calendar of the fruit & vegetable department every year. In principle, very good sales and returns can be achieved here with attractive campaign placements around the asparagus theme. Due to the current consumer restraint, asparagus is also subject to excessive inventory levels, which inevitably lead to markdowns. These markdowns can often wipe out previous profits in one day."
Peeling and sealing
During the exchange of ideas in Rheda-Wiedenbrück with Christoph Wolter, Joachim Stracke was explained the possibilities and advantages of peeling in the evening and subsequent fresh sealing in food retailing: "A specially developed micro-perforated film allows gas exchange with the air after sealing the packaging, thus ensuring that the asparagus and its aroma can be kept for up to 10 days. Optionally, preparation in the microwave with steam cooking effect is even possible," says Christoph Wolter and further explains that "the peeled asparagus is cooked within 8 - 12 minutes - I can't prepare peeled asparagus any faster and be more gentle on the vitamins. The sealing device and the trays are only offered exclusively by us, HEPRO."
Joachim Stracke is enthusiastic: "Not only can the food retailer significantly reduce its markdown risk. The consumer has a high added value at the same time due to the much easier preparation option in the microwaveable tray - a win-win situation for retailers and the customer. Asparagus not sold on the day is given a fresh cut and can be sold ready to eat from the refrigerated shelf for several days. Peeled asparagus is one of the top convenience trends anyway. The unique peel takes convenience to the next level here. I'm looking forward to the next innovations for food retailers from HEPRO."
Industry-wide platform for knowledge and experience exchange
"At the Frische Institut, we are committed to greater sustainability, fewer markdowns, an increase in profitability and, above all, product enjoyment. We also guide new companies and producers in launching, branding and positioning themselves in the market. Above all, our claim is to make knowledge as easily accessible as possible and to regularly inform about innovations and trends with our FrischeTalk."
With the "Fruit & Vegetable Competence World", Joachim Stracke and Jochem Wolthuis have created a unique industry-wide platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as for the presentation of companies in the fruit & vegetable sector, which has now been launched.
Pictures: Hepro GmbH
For more information:
Joachim Stracke
fruit RETAIL consulting
Am Schieferstollen 17
57399 Kirchhundem
Tel: +49 151 12 62 78 92
kontakt@stracke-consulting.de
frischeinstitut.de
Christoph Wolter
HEPRO GmbH
Nickelstraße 14
33378 Rheda-Wiedenbrück
Tel: +49 5242 57979-23
wolter@hepro-gmbh.de
hepro-gmbh.de