Thanks to the mild winter, the open-air harvest of cut herbs at leading producer Böttcher Gartenbau in Bürstadt started early. The first chives could already be cut outdoors at the beginning of March. However, there were only a few warm days in April and it was also relatively cool in May and June. "Added to this was the increased rainfall, which posed a major challenge for the crops and the harvest. Nevertheless, the quality of the cut herbs was still very good due to the needs-based cultivation and the adapted harvest," said the management of the South Hessian horticultural company.
Parsley cultivation in Bürstadt.
Unbroken high demand
Böttcher Gartenbau supplies wholesalers and caterers as well as food retailers. "Demand remains high in all three areas. We are noticing that large bunches in particular, such as dill or flat-leaf parsley, are also becoming more popular in the food retail sector. In general, interest in a diverse range and different grammages is very high."
Large bunches of flat-leaf parsley, 200g.
In total, Böttcher Gartenbau cultivates and sells over 25 different culinary herbs. In the winter months, the company mainly imports from partner companies in the southern growing regions, although some of the range can be supplied all year round from its own cultivation. "Unlike many vegetable farms, ours is a year-round operation, which means that all areas are optimally utilised. We can react to special circumstances at short notice and are therefore strongly positioned."
Mechanical harvesting of parsley. Efficient processes are used to minimise the sometimes sharp rise in costs.
Opportunities and challenges
Culinary herbs continue to be a product segment with high potential, continues the management of the family business. "We believe that the trend towards conscious eating will continue. Our fresh herbs are ideal for this. Accordingly, it is also very important to us to realise the wishes of our customers and to contribute our own ideas in order to further expand the potential."
Protected cultivation.
One challenge lies in adapting to the new weather conditions, he concludes. "We are also testing new varieties that can withstand the climatic conditions well in order to be well positioned for the future."
The Böttcher family business has been based in the Bürstädter Gärtnersiedlung since 1957.
Pictures: Böttcher Gartenbau
For more information:
Böttcher Gartenbau
Gärtnersiedlung 9+10
68642 Bürstadt
Tel.: +49 6206 70 285-0
Fax: +49 6206 70 285-28
[email protected]
www.boettcher-gartenbau.de