More imports of exotics: German production of vegetables and fruit growing

Note from David: I guess they used some sort of automatic translation website (from Dutch to English). Danku !


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In Germany there is talk about a growing area and an increasing local production, but for most products of the food horticulture this is definitely not self sufficient. During the period 2000-2007 the area for this form of horticulture grew by 12%. A marked increase happened in the cultivation of asparagus, where production increased by 85% during the period 2000-2007. Other open ground cultivations showing a marked increase during the same period are onion, gherkin, iceberg lettuce, leeks and radishes. Also the hothouse cultivation of tomatoes, cucumber and peppers increased in Germany during the last few years.

More import of exotics

The import of both fresh vegetables and fresh fruit remained reasonably stable during the period 2000-2007. There have, however, been some changes. The import of some classic open ground vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, cauliflower, leeks, cabbage lettuce, iceberg lettuce and asparagus, show a decreasing trend.
The import of hothouse vegetables, courgettes and beans is showing an increase.
Imports of fruit show a clear change to exotics, especially the large increase in banana and pine-apple imports. The increase in the import of exotic fruit is partly a matter of trading: export of these products via Germany has also increased, but not as much as the imports.

Import from the Netherlands stable

Import of fresh vegetables from the Netherlands has apart from some fluctuations been reasonably stable during 2000-2007. The import of Dutch fresh fruit shows a decreasing trend. This is mainly the result of a decresasing export of apples to Germany, the Dutch export of pears to Germany is doing quite well during the last few years.

Growing (re-)export

Both with vegetables and fruit a substantial increase in the export from Germany
(respectively 53% and 155%) has been experienced during 2000-2007. The most important destination for the German export of vegetables is the Netherlands. This is partly explained by border traffic (German growers sell to Dutch sales organisations) and partly as transito of e.g.Polish products. Also Sweden and Italy are important destinations for the German vegetable trade. The most important destinations for the German fruit export are Poland, Austria, Sweden and Denmark.

Deceasing trend in household purchases

Of practically all varieties of fresh vegetables and fruit the percentage of purchasing households decreased during 2000-2007. Pineapples are the only remarkable exception. Possibly by coincidence the average consumer price of pine-apples is one of the few which decreased over the last few years. The purchased quantity of hothouse vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, show a decreasing trend. An increasing trend in the household purchase of open ground products, such as carrots, iceberg lettuce, asparagus, leeks, courgettes and radishes, is noticeable. A decreasing trend is noticeable in the sale of cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, chicory, celeriac and endive.

In general households purchase less fresh fruit. The most important exceptions are the exotics pine-apple and kiwi, of which the household consumption increased. A decreasing trend in household consumption does not automatically indicate a decrease in total consumption. The consumption out of home (catering and food service) is still relatively low compared to many other countries, but the "out of home" market is growing in Germany.

Is more information required? The report "Marktmonitor groenten en fruit Duitsland
(PT 2008-101)" can be downloaded free of charge by a member of the sector or by application from John Claassen via telephone no: 079-3470633.


Source: Productschap Tuinbouw, www.tuinbouw.nl


Publication date: 12/16/2008