Mählmann Gemüsebau & Co. from Oldenburger Münsterland is one of Germany's largest vegetable producers and has been active in the vegetable sector since 1983. The marketing of the entire range of vegetables is in the hands of the Erzeugergroßmarkt Langförden-Oldenburg eG (ELO) from Vechta-Langförden. Close cooperation between the two sides is always central, certainly also due to their close proximity. Christian Mählmann spoke to us about Fruit Logistica 2022 and current trends in the vegetable sector.
Christian Mählmann (3rd from left) together with his team from Mählmann Gemüsebau and two female employees from ELO at the
Fruit Logistica 2022
Fruit Logistica 2022
For Mählmann Gemüsebau, Fruit Logistica has been one of the most important events in the fruit and vegetable industry from the very beginning. In addition to contact with long-standing customers and business partners, the trade fair not only offers the opportunity to network, but also to gain new impressions in areas such as technology, seeds and packaging materials, he said. Fruit Logistica usually kicks off the season in February, says Mählmann. This year, the harvest was already in full swing. "Nevertheless, we wanted to be there. Overall, Fruit Logistica was less well attended compared to previous years, but we were still able to meet many familiar faces again after the pandemic-related break and have good conversations," Mählmann says.
Good demand for radishes
"We have only recently started harvesting radishes and are pleased with the quality. The weather has also had a positive effect on the harvest in recent weeks," says Mählmann. "Demand is good, as it has been in previous years. Along with rhubarb and spring onions, radishes are among the first products we produce in the year. Cultivation takes place exclusively in the open air. Our main customers include food retailers, but we also supply wholesaler customers," says Mählmann. Mählmann Gemüsebau's products are sold throughout Germany, although there are many buyers throughout Europe as well.
Radishes from Mählmann. Image: wohlfarth film Ltd
Variety of products
"In recent years, the demand for vegetable products has definitely increased, especially because more vegetarian and vegan products are being offered overall. Even within the industry, there is a trend shifting away from large heads of lettuce such as iceberg lettuce to loose lettuces such as arugula, lamb's lettuce and spinach. But the variety of products, such as with pak choi or snack lettuce, is playing an increasingly important role too," says Mählmann. Different possibilities of use as well as new flavors are particularly crucial in terms of customer acquisition and loyalty, in addition to quality and freshness.
For more information:
Mählmann Gemüsebau GmbH & Co. KG
Im Siehenfelde 13
49692 Cappeln
Tel: +49 4478-9480 83
sales@maehlmann-gemuesebau.de
maehlmann-gemuesebau.de