Long-term delivery difficulties in the fresh-cut segment

The consequences of the heat wave in the past summer months lead to long-term delivery difficulties in the lettuce and vegetable industry. Vegetable expert Bonduelle is expected to start noticing the effects of the summer heat by the spring of 2019. In particular the German, French, Italian and Polish production areas are affected by the effects of high temperatures and long periods of drought. Heiner Opdenfeld, Director Operations at Bonduelle, adds: "The extraordinary heat period in the summer of 2018 will keep us busy until next spring with commodities such as carrots and white cabbage. Crop failures of up to 70 percent have occurred." The provision of high quality fresh salads is expected to only be possible again in mid-September.

Raw materials characterized by "internal burns"
New plantings set during the heatwave could not compensate, despite cooler temperatures and more moisture. After all, the plantations need at least a month to adapt to the new conditions. In addition, many raw materials have grown with so-called "internal burns" due to the heat. This means that new leaves have grown around the burnt portions of the salads. When processing the salads, this fact poses a major challenge, because lettuce heads are mostly sorted according to their leaves.

Current situation, after the heat waves (left) - lettuce with internal burns (right)

Vegetable Preserves & Fresh Cut
Bonduelle Deutschland GmbH is headquartered in Reutlingen / Baden-Württemberg. The salad and vegetable specialist offers products for every occasion: In addition to classic canned vegetables, there is the popular Goldmais® range and a wide assortment of legumes, Bonduelle also offers fresh salads and delicious soups from the refrigerated section. Bonduelle fullfills the consumer's desire for a varied diet.

For more information:

Bonduelle Deutschland GmbH

Am Heilbrunnen 136/138, 72766 Reutlingen

Telefon: +49 7121/1494-508,

E-Mail: info@bonduelle.com

Web: www.bonduelle.com