Every year in November and December, red and white cabbages are at their best. Especially in the north of Germany, one of the most important cabbage growing regions in Europe (3000 hectares), cabbage is big business. This year’s yield was high compared to the demand.
According to Peter Hagge, owner of Gemüsehandel Hagge situated north of Hamburg, the demand is declining annually. “This years’ yield is a lot higher than the previous year but the demand is almost the same,” stated Hagge, who grows red and white cabbage on 250 hectares. The producers’ price is currently at 8 Euros per 100 kg and trade prices are slightly higher at 12 Euros per 100 kg. For smaller and assorted cabbages the price is about 16 Euros per 100 kg.
Convenience
Gemüsehandel Hagge supplies the discounters with cabbage all year round, even though cabbage consumption has been declining for years. Hagge: “It goes down every year. People like eating cabbage dishes but the preparation is too much effort.” The wholesaler is of the opinion that consumers want more convenience food, for instance cut and pre-processed products. “However, this is only possible if larger corporations get involved and then it is still difficult to manage logistically.” Jan Reymers, of Reymers Gemüsehandel, Hamburg can only confirm this. “We consider red cabbage a by-product. Vegetables such as iceberg lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower are definitely more popular.” The wholesale prices fluctuate between 0.20 and 0.30 Euros per kg.
