Despite inflation and high raw material prices, the marketing of Bavarian organic table potatoes has started exceptionally well. "The organic potato appears to be embroiled in a price battle this year and there are active promotions in trade," reports Nicolai Timaeus, buyer and seller at marketing company Bio-Bauern. The yields and the quality of last year's harvest were generally average, he adds. "The waterlogging was not as acute in our areas compared to others, we even had to deal with drought during the harvest time. Overall, the harvest was nowhere near as outstanding as in the 2022 season, which is also good. Because in that season we had to sell the surpluses as conventional, which ultimately is not in the producer's interest."
As a result, the organic cultivation area of the marketing company was reduced by about ten percent. "This was the right decision in the interest of the farmers, even though we could have used 2,000 to 3,000 tons more in the current season. So in the fall of last year, we found ourselves in a shortage situation," says Timaeus, who primarily markets organic goods. "The demand is particularly high and we are also pleased about the commitment of our customers to market regional organic potatoes until the end of May. We should also succeed in this if we think strategically and buy additional. Especially in the discount sector, we see a considerable increase in demand."
Inflation-related purchasing restraint in the sector of organic potatoes has completely normalized. "The big organic slump is over and there seems to be a slight economic relief in society. We also have the advantage that we market an entry-level price item with the organic potato."
Nicolai Timaeus
"Onion sales are steadily increasing"
In addition to organic table potatoes, the marketing company based in Pöttmes also focuses on the marketing of organic onions. "Sales have been steadily increasing over the past few years. The organic share in table onions is steadily growing, which is certainly also due to the smaller packaging units. Red onions are offered in units between 300 and 500 grams, while yellow onions are mainly found in 500g to 1 kg packs," explains Timaeus, who also points out the lower price pressure on organic onions.
Similar to table potatoes, the onion yields in Bavaria were only weakly average. Timaeus: "Although we are below the federal average with onions, we have not had any rot and durability problems with both products compared to other years. However, it remains to be seen how the stored goods develop in the remaining months of the season. Another uncertain factor is the lack of availability of seed potatoes, although we have the advantage of our own propagation."
Visit the company at BioFach: Hall 7 / 559
For more information:
Nicolai Timaeus
Marketing Company Bio-Bauern GmbH
Phone: 08253 / 99 70 20 – 17
Fax: 08253 / 99 70 20 – 67
[email protected]
www.bio-vg.de