As the temperature drops, sauerkraut is traditionally given a little more attention. "In contrast to northern Germany, we have a good supply of raw materials. We are currently able to fulfil the contracts for our conventional sauerkraut production without any problems. In the organic sector, however, we have slightly less raw material available," reports Hans-Peter Rödel of the sauerkraut factory by the same name in Trogen, Upper Franconia. Due to the slight decline in sales, the quantities offered roughly correspond to demand, Rödel continues.
The first new cabbages could be processed from July onwards. According to Rödel, the change of season also went smoothly. "Our contracted growers were able to plant and irrigate on schedule for the most part. This meant that there were no problems with delays or the like, and availability was continuous." Due to a renewed increase in costs, raw material prices have continued to rise compared to the previous year. The most important price driver here is labour costs. "Accordingly, the prices of our conventional sauerkraut are around 6 to 8 percent higher than last year."
Organic and conventional sauerkraut is delivered throughout the year in a wide variety of containers (from 500g to 10kg). For 20 years now, the sauerkraut has been marketed in the proven reusable bucket with a deposit system.
Organic market continues to grow
The long-established company Rödel celebrates its 50th birthday in November 2025 and is now managed by Hans-Peter Rödel, the second generation of the family to do so. The company has always adapted to circumstances and today supplies a broad customer base consisting of food retailers, bulk consumers, processors and large-scale industry. Rödel: "The classic mom-and-pop shops and butchers that we once supplied on a large scale are slowly dying out. Other areas, especially the organic market, continue to grow. However, the fierce price war in the latter segment has led to organic prices no longer being that far removed from those of their conventional counterparts," says Rödel, whose major customers include the nearby headquarters of the organic retail chain Dennree.
Today, Rödel GmbH primarily focuses on the production and marketing of the two proven main products: sauerkraut and lactic-fermented pickles (Bioland and conventional). There is currently a lack of capacity and manpower to expand the range further. Due to the growth that continues to be achieved, Rödel is looking confidently to the future. "I believe the future of regional sauerkraut is secure because it is a consistent product segment. The same applies to pickled cucumbers, which are a niche product compared to sauerkraut, but are growing steadily by around 5 per cent every year. We also benefit from a reliable network of producers, which means that we can flexibly access goods from Franconia, Württemberg, Schleswig-Holstein and, if necessary, the Netherlands, depending on our needs."
Sauerkraut in bulk
Photo credit: Rödel GmbH
For more information:
Hans-Peter Rödel
Rödel GmbH
Main street 56
95183 Trogen
Tel: +49 / 09281 / 7363-0
Fax +49 / 09281 / 7363-11
Mail [email protected]
Web: www.roedel-sauerkraut.de