The raw material situation in the horseradish sector is extremely difficult at the moment, confirms the management of Schamel, Germany's leading horseradish processor. "We source our raw materials mainly from three growing areas, namely Bavaria, Styria, and eastern Hungary. Due to considerable yield losses and the generally difficult conditions, raw material prices have in some cases risen by over 60 per cent compared to the previous year," says Andreas Schöppl, co-managing director of the long-established company based in Baiersdorf (Bavaria). Since the beginning of the year, the corresponding price increase has been implemented for the horseradish products, although, according to Schöppl, customers mostly understand this.
Despite the sometimes sharp decline in yields, the qualities are consistently good, emphasizes Schöppl. "A poor harvest is often mistakenly confused with poor quality, but this is simply wrong. In terms of flavor and color, the raw material so far has been particularly convincing, with mostly average root weights." Despite ongoing inflation, sales of horseradish products have remained largely stable, thanks in part to Schamel's strong brand portfolio.
Matthias Schamel and Andreas Schöppl jointly manage the activities of the long-established company.
About two-thirds of the total raw material is harvested from the end of October until the end of the year. The rest spends the winter in the ground and is harvested only after the fields are accessible again. Schöppl: "This varies greatly depending on the growing area: in Bavaria and Styria, harvesting usually does not resume until spring, while Eastern Hungary starts again in just a few weeks."
New product line 'SUPERROOT'
In addition to the production and marketing of the well-tried table horseradish, Schamel continues to develop new products to enrich the range of products. "Last year, we launched our horseradish mousse, which has been very well received, especially in food retailing. Next year, a new variant of this vegan mousse with ginger flavor will follow. Both products are part of the new product line SUPERROOT, which we may expand in the future to include other new products."
Left: insights into the horseradish cultivation. Right: horseradish mousse of the new product line called 'Superroot'.
Future of the product segment
The "Meerrettich-Kompetenz-Team" (en.: Horseradish Competence Team) was set up a few years ago to preserve Bavarian horseradish cultivation. In practice, however, it is difficult to secure the required quantities. "Unfortunately, the number of farmers in Bavaria and Styria continues to decline, and it is not possible to replace them one-to-one," says Schöppl. Nevertheless, the company is confident about the near future. "In general, horseradish is still very popular in the DACH region and once we have fully implemented the necessary price increase, we are confident about the rest of the year."
Photo credit: Schamel Meerrettich GmbH & Co KG
For more information:
Andreas Schöppl
Schamel Meerrettich GmbH & Co. KG
Johann-Jakob-Schamel-Platz 1
D-91083 Baiersdorf / Bavaria
Tel: +49 (0) 9133 / 7760 - 0
info@schamel.de
www.schamel.de