In 2014 the producers' cooperation Landgard has again and significantly improved its earnings. According to a statement of the company the EBITDA increased by 32.6%, that is 53.3 million Euro. These results are the best in the history of the company.
“This is a clear sign that we took the right steps in our reorganisation,” says Armin Rehberg, CEO of Landgard. “We have shown particular improvement in our former hotspots, for instance Fruit & Vegetables Godeland. We successfully addressed our losses and significantly lowered material and personnel costs. Our future looks good.”
Number of participating producers grows
800 fruit and vegetables producers are currently selling their crops through Landgard. “For the first time since the financial crises the number of participating farmers has grown,” continues Rehberg. “The producers trust the producers' cooperative. And we are continuously searching for international producers and now include Asian companies, especially from China and Vietnam, for our members."
Organic sector has growth potential
Landgard does not only sell conventional fruit and vegetables but also organic crops. About 5% of the participating producers are organic farmers. “At the moment we have a stable number of participating organic farmers. But in the future the number of organic farmers, just as the other producers, can grow. We expect a healthy growth potential,” continues Rehberg.
Conclusion of the reorganization
Landgard wants to end the reorganization this year. The company recently closed the Bergkamen location and moved the services provided there to Bornheim-Roisdorf. And in 2016 in Berbersdorf, Saxony, a new logistic center for fresh produce, with offices, will begin operations.
Landgard meets the increased requirements in this region. In Chemnitz and Dresden the company already has two working sites. “While the sites in Chemnitz and Dresden are running at their top capacity, the new location in Berbersdorf increases the total capacity at a logistically suitable position. And combined with a packaging services center we can offer our existing customers more in the future.” The producers' cooperation sees great potential for the future in the development of innovative customer concepts. For instance local marketing, innovations in packaging and the promotion of E-Commerce.
The vision of a modern and successful cooperation
The goal for the not so distance future is to align the existing company structures with tailor-made solutions for the customers. Rehberg concludes: “We operate on a stagnating market. So our biggest challenge is to offer extra value to our customers and producers, which distinguishes us from our competitors. We believe we are ready for the future. Our vision of a modern and successful cooperation will be implemented and will match our companies and customers, every day, step by step.”
