On March 31st, the first box of regional strawberries was picked in the sustainable greenhouse of Obsthof Mann in the German Altes Land region. The first larger quantities of the Sonsation variety will be picked and marketed about a week later, confirms owner Tobias Mann. "We deliberately planted a little later this year because we need a lot, especially for Easter (April 20-21). From a horticultural perspective, the growing conditions this year were quite favorable: there were occasional periods of good weather, and overall, it was not as dark as last year. This benefited the vegetation of our spring strawberries, so that overall we are on schedule."
The spring strawberries are available from the beginning of April through May.
He markets his strawberries himself, and his customers are mainly mobile traders, owner-managed food retailers, and selected wholesalers. The popular red fruits from regional greenhouse cultivation have not only made a name for themselves in the Altes Land and Lower Saxony but are also sold as far away as Dortmund and Cologne. "We have already received many inquiries. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the first regional strawberries, which is also partly due to the spring-like weather. In this respect, I see a great demand for our early greenhouse strawberries."
The greenhouse facility is equipped, among other things, with a wood chip power plant, fertilizer recycling, and water circulation system.
According to Mann, the first signs in terms of marketing are also quite encouraging. "The retailers are already running initial programs with imported goods and, as far as I know, there are no significant surpluses at the local wholesale markets. So for now, we expect a relaxed, balanced market situation, which is ultimately crucial for the marketing of our goods and thus for the further course of the season." Another factor is operating costs, especially wages and personnel costs. "But heating materials and biological pest control (use of predatory mites and the like) are also a major item. As far as we can see, I expect market prices to be adequate for the moment, roughly in line with last year."
Tobias Mann was able to start operating the 1.4-hectare greenhouse facility in 2023 and is now entering its third harvest year. In addition to strawberries grown in greenhouses and tunnels, he also produces and markets apples, raspberries, and cherries.
Fruit shape invites repeat purchases
From the first planting in spring 2023, Mann has been relying on the Sonsation variety in the early season, followed by Malling Centenary. "There are many new varieties every year, and we are watching these constant developments with interest. What particularly speaks for Sonsation is the early harvest time and the uniformity in cultivation. Worth mentioning is also the beautiful, spotted fruit shape, which is particularly well-received by the specialized trade and invites repeat purchases," he concludes.
For more information:
Tobias Mann
Früchte Mann
Apenser Str. 200
21614 Buxtehude
Tel: +49 4161 558542
info@fruechtemann.de
www.fruechtemann.de