With the current spring-like temperatures and the first signs of spring from domestic production, chicory traditionally takes a back seat. But the high season usually lasts until Easter, knows Michael Schindler (r), sales manager of SL Schwanteland. The company, headquartered in Oberkrämer (Brandenburg), operates one of the largest and most efficient forcing plants in Germany and supplies fresh chicory to food retailers and wholesalers throughout Germany all year round.
In the modern forcing plant, conventional chicory is grown 12 months a year.
Current price pressure
The root harvest was very good overall this year, the company says. “In terms of both quantity and quality, we’ve been able to draw from the full range, and we’ve had a relatively high proportion of large-caliber produce so far.” According to Schindler, this has also been the case in other growing countries. “The leading producing countries of Holland, Belgium and France have also had high yields and are currently depressing the price. Overall, prices are slightly below last year’s level with huge increases in production costs.”
Managing Director André Krötz (right) and Production Manager Marcus Bielinski of SL Gartenbau Ltd.
Marketing potential in summer
Chicory is still predominantly considered a winter product. Schindler says, “The peak season lasts until about Easter, after which demand usually declines noticeably, with prices dropping accordingly.” Nevertheless, tons of chicory are also sprouted during the summer months to meet the demand for regional leafy greens. “In my opinion, the summer slump has diminished over the years because there is simply more regional produce available. Retailers are also daring to run promotions outside of the peak season. Nevertheless, I still see a little more room to maneuver,” Schindler says, referencing the further marketing potential of summer produce.
Fresh chicory is mainly packaged in 500-gram flowpacks of 3 pieces each.
Gratifying growth rates
Chicory production has been a tradition at Schwanteland GmbH since 1962. Approximately 4,000m2 of forcing area is available today, depending on the demand, and the start of construction of a new factory building is planned for next year, he said. “Thanks to sophisticated technology, net earnings have increased in recent years. On the sales side, demand has become higher as well as more stable,” Schindler concludes.
Images: SL Schwanteland GmbH
For more information:
Michael Schindler
SL Schwanteland GmbH
Perwenitzer Chaussee 2
16727 Oberkrämer/OT Vehlefanz
Tel: 03304-2051-28
Fax: 03304-2051-27
handel@sl-schwanteland.de
sl-gartenbau.de
