Everyone knows organics goods are booming on the German market. Organic fruit and vegetables have been on the fast track for years, a trend that is likely to continue in the future. Convenience, however, has not been able to fully lock onto the consumer yet, even if it is already indispensable within gastronomy. Both topics were important trends that were addressed at the DOGK 2019 in Düsseldorf on Tuesday.
Click here for the DOGK photo report.
Images of the trip to Metro and Markthalle Krefeld.
"Eco does not preclude economical."
Johannes Bliestle von Reichenau-Gemüse spoke at the forum in front of a crowded hall and unintentionally visualized the continuing "boom", which was already announced in the title of the forum. It was important for him, however, to represent "organic without an ideology", because Reichenau, although it is the producer cooperative with the largest share of organic growers in Germany, also wants to stand up for the conventional growers. What bothers him above all is the misconception of the organic farmer in a straw hat, who works his fields only with a hoe: "Organic farming is modern, efficient and economical as well. Eco does not preclude economical."
The company experienced a short-term stagnation in growth in the previous year due to the drought, but this year the growth would continue, said the managing director. The main product of the sector is made up of carrots (13.8%).
Overall, the degree of self-sufficiency with fruits and vegetables is still far from being reached (in contrast to the situation with meat and dairy products) and so one sees a strong increase in the acreage of German suppliers. Given the steadily growing demand, it continues to be a strategic business area.
Johannes Bliestle in front of the audience
The largest supplier of organic products in Germany continues to be ALDI. This does not only meet the approval of specialist retailers: "But overall, specialist retailers are also riding the wave of organic success, as well as discounting," concludes Bliestle.
On the food retailer side, Matthias Reuter, head of fruit & vegetables at Edeka Stenger, gave some comments. He was particularly struck by the differences between mixed buyers and pure organic customers: "Organic labels are not the sole purchase criterion for customers who buy a mixture of organic and conventional." Customers who only buy organic, differentiate between the different seals. " Overall, the importance of classic certifications such as Demeter and Bioland is growing.
Matthias Reuter, Head of Department Fruit & Vegetables at Edeka Stenger in conversation with Kaasten Reh.
In general, sustainability is an important issue, and so is the packaging debate in its markets: "However, we realize that the perceived sustainability is more important for the customer than actual." Just because packaging looks natural does not necessarily mean it's more sustainable. A lot of educational work still needs to be done here.
Click here for the DOGK photo report.
Images of the trip to Metro and Markthalle Krefeld.
Fresh-Cut? Yes! But only as long as consumers don't notice
Away-from-home catering is becoming an increasingly important component of nutrition in Germany, and convenience goods have become indispensable for the gastronomy sector. Hans-Christoph Behr gave the numbers in the forum: "Away-from-home consumption - the unknown market that is growing".
Pre-cut or pre-processed fruit and vegetables is one way to handle high labor costs and staff shortages. Quietly purchasing convenience goods, then, because the consumer, who is still unsure when it comes to processed foods, does not have to be confronted with the fact that the vegetables and fruits are not prepared on the spot in the kitchen. Consumers still have concerns in most areas of the fresh-cut sector; only potatoes are now an exception. Pre-cut tubers are well received. "Apart from mixed salad, pre-cut vegetables are completely irrelevant for private households," says Behr.
Dr. Hans-Christoph Behr, AMI
There is already growth, but it remains to be seen how it will evolve in the future. Behr also emphasizes: "We are no longer talking about products such as canned mushrooms: New concepts are more oriented towards freshness - freshness is also a decisive factor in the catering industry, for which convenience is particularly important."
Click here for the DOGK photo report.
Images of the trip to Metro and Markthalle Krefeld.