The freeze-dried strawberries from 'Frudist' were recently honoured with the 'Culinary Ambassador Lower Saxony Innovative 2024' award. Co-founder Alica Lammerskitten emphasises that the recognition is very important for the innovative start-up. "The award confirms the quality and innovative strength of our products and helps us to further strengthen our trust in the Frudist brand. Our strawberries were recognised for their outstanding quality and full-bodied flavour. Strawberries are generally very popular, and their bright colour and intense flavour make them a favourite among our customers. We entered the competition specifically with our freeze-dried strawberries, and can imagine entering another type of fruit next year. Demand for raspberries, apples and pears is also high, but preferences vary among all types of fruit depending on the season and intended use."
Alica Lammerskitten and Oleksii Parniakov (right) received the certificate of recognition in person from the Prime Minister of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil.
Planned product innovations
In recent months, the company has invested in product optimisation in particular, such as packaging, with the aim of better meeting the different requirements of its retail partners. Lammerskitten: "First and foremost, our packaging was mainly geared towards online sales. However, we now also offer stock sizes and jars that are popular as gift items. We are also currently working intensively on the development of new fruit flavours, which are expected to be launched on the market at the end of the year."
Initially, the focus was on sales via the online shop, but the freeze-dried fruit has now also become well-established in other sales channels, such as farm shops and delicatessens as well as privately run supermarkets with a regional focus. "The high quality and regionality of our products are particularly appreciated in these two areas. We therefore want to further focus on and promote this sales channel. The trend towards healthy and natural snacks is clearly recognisable. Consumers appreciate the long shelf life and versatility of our freeze-dried fruit, which further increases its popularity."
Oleksii Parniakov and Alica Lammerskitten also exhibited at last year's expoSE in Karlsruhe. Due to the high response and increased demand following the trade fair, they will be exhibiting again this year.
Affordable prices, fair conditions
The current market situation is quite stable, although the procurement of raw materials is influenced by seasonal availability, continues Lammerskitten. "The current demand for freeze-dried fruit shows a positive trend. In summer, demand for freeze-dried strawberries tends to be slightly below average, as fresh German strawberries are available straight from the field. However, demand increases significantly outside the strawberry season, as our products allow consumers to enjoy sun-ripened fruit that would otherwise not be available."
The Frudist team is also currently confronted with increased raw material and energy prices. However, the top priority is to ensure that the products remain as affordable as possible for consumers. "After all, our philosophy includes fair cooperation with farmers, which is essential for the quality and sustainability of our products. The increased raw material prices are partly due to higher labour costs, which we take into account in our price calculations in order to continue to guarantee fair conditions along the value chain," it concludes.
Images: L&P FoodTec GmbH
For more information:
Alica Lammerskitten
FRUDIST (a brand of L&P FoodTec GmbH)
Prof.-von-Klitzing-Str. 9
49610 Quakenbrück
Phone: +49 170 5220905
[email protected]
www.frudist.com