The new chicory season has also got off to a particularly good start at the Münch greenhouse in the Grafschaft near Bonn. "There has been quite a lot of rain in the summer, which is optimal for the growth of the chicory root. Accordingly, we have achieved a good yield with a high proportion of thick roots. But meanwhile, the prices for the final product are below last year's level," says Joseph Münch, who runs the family business. 
After Theo Münch passed away at the beginning of the year, son Joseph continues his father's life's work, together with his girlfriend.
In addition, good yields are also being recorded in the classic chicory-growing countries, such as France, Belgium and the Netherlands, it says. "France will undoubtedly put pressure on the market, especially later in the marketing season. We will feel that in the marketing of our own produce as well."
The darkroom (r). Root
clearing started in mid-September this year, a few weeks earlier than usual. A net revenue of 60kg per drift box is ultimately desired, Münch describes.
Loose marketing and flowpacks
Despite the good omens, large chicory shoots do not naturally grow from thick roots in the darkroom, Münch points out. "The bigger the produce, the fewer sprouts we need to fill the commercial 500-gram flowpack, and the greater the efficiency in handling the product for us as growers." About 80 percent of his produce is packaged in flowpacks, with the remainder marketed loose in cartons.
The preparation process: after the roots are sprouted in the darkroom, they are cut, sorted and subsequently packaged. The intensive labor required, coupled with the short shelf life, are why chicory is an extremely demanding product.
Lively demand for German chicory
Although German chicory is available year-round, it is still considered a "winter vegetable" by consumers. "The end of October until May at the latest is clearly the peak season, after which there is unfortunately no more retail shelf space for chicory. In terms of marketing, however, I would describe chicory as a stable niche product. Interest is not flattening out, on the contrary - we are still getting new inquiries from food retailers."
Packaged goods for retail: By means of recipe suggestions, the company is trying to emphasize the versatility of chicory and further boost its consumption.
For more information:
Chicorée-Treibbetrieb Joseph Münch
Burgstr. 2
53501 Grafschaft-Gelsdorf
+49 157 38781 221