During the producers' meeting in mid-March, Frutania invited numerous producers and industry speakers to its headquarters in Grafschaft, Germany. Attendees were treated to expert presentations on a range of topics crucial to the fruit industry, such as water and sustainability, quality, and retail strategies. On this occasion, management provided insights into this year's yield forecasts and the long-term strategic direction of the marketing company.
Currently, the Frutania Group reports a significantly improved sentiment for the 2024 berry season with similar volumes to last year. "However, in the Frutania Group, we continue to focus on high-quality cultivation, which is why we are increasingly using racks for strawberries. Due to a relatively early spring, we expect an early harvest, with the concern that there could still be frost. At the moment, we anticipate that harvest to begin similarly as the 2023 season," the management commented. Overall, Frutania's cultivation capacities are approximately steady, but there is a strong increase at subsidiary Fruitfels in the Oberkirch area.
As a renowned partner in the retail food industry, the company is constantly evolving. New varieties and concepts are highly prioritized. "Therefore, we are concept partners in the production and marketing of the new Bloss apple variety. We are also continuously expanding our plum assortment. Furthermore, we are currently planting our later cherry varieties. We are currently focusing on our own strawberry varieties, with which we can differentiate ourselves from the market."
Last year, Frutania announced the acquisition of the neighboring fruit farm Krupp and the plum variety Haroma from protected cultivation. From left to right: Plum producer Martin Krupp (now a member of the Supply Chain), Tobias Linnemannstöns (Head of Supply Chain), and Béatrice and Markus Schneider.
Frutania Academy
To be well-prepared for the future, the Frutania Academy was launched a few years ago. "The purpose of this initiative is to train and motivate leaders and emerging talents to develop a visionary mindset and look beyond their own horizons. Together with our participants, employees of the Frutania Group, as well as executives and managers of our producers, we want to work out creative solutions and drive forward a future-oriented development," says Markus Schneider, CEO and owner of Frutania. "Applications for the new academy are now open, and well-prepared, we look forward to a strong 2024 season."
For more information:
Frutania GmbH
Heinrich-Lanz-Str. 3
D-53501 Grafschaft-Ringen
Germany
T +49(0)2641–9111–0
F +49(0)2641–9111–199
[email protected]
www.frutania.de