The supply of raw potatoes and onions continues to be difficult. "Due to the drought last year, we have mainly smaller potatoes available, which is why peeling takes considerably longer. Volumes have also been lacking in some cases, which is why we have had to scrape together the raw material we need for our peeling operation," says Silke Liersch, owner of the peeling operation of the same name at Frischezentrum Essen.
At the moment, domestic stocks are being rapidly depleted. Liersch: "Fortunately, however, we have a reliable partner, which is why we should probably be stocked until the end of April." After that, the first early potatoes will also soon be harvested in the Palatinate region, describes Liersch, who is known throughout the Ruhr region for her high-quality hand-peeled potatoes and onions. "Cypriot potatoes, on the other hand, are usually too expensive for processing, i.e. for caterers."
The Liersch team with owner Silke Liersch (m) and her daughter.
Record high onion prices
A similar market situation can currently be observed with onions, Liersch continues. "Raw material prices are extremely high: there is availability of goods for red onions, but there are shortages for yellows. We mainly source Spanish butcher's onions, as the domestic product is simply too small for processing and therefore unsuitable. Normally, the raw material prices for Spanish onions would have been paid for the first Chilean goods," says Liersch, who mainly supplies hotels, daycare centers and caterers in the greater Essen area.
In addition to potatoes and onions, Liersch also processes vegetables and salads. "Especially in the area of salads, the variety of products has increased rapidly in recent years. Ready-cut salads, for example, are increasingly in demand."
Long road back to normality
Overall, Liersch has mixed feelings about the future. "We've had a tough time with Corona, of course, although I see today's crisis as even worse. In general, everything was going great for us business-wise until 2019, after which the general conditions changed adversely. Unfortunately, we have to realize that the road back to normality will be particularly long."
For more information:
Silke Liersch
Liersch Obst – und Gemüsegroßhandel
Frischezentrum Essen
Tel.: +49 (0) 201 – 318 00
Fax: +49 (0) 201 – 328435
info@liersch-frischezentrum.de
liersch-frischezentrum.de