The greenhouse complex in the Wittenberg area
Regional
“In our greenhouse, all the colours are there: yellow, green, orange and red. Furthermore, we also produce snack peppers: small, oblong peppers, which we sell exclusively in the local market. Think of the regional retail trade and gastronomy, but also the wholesale market in Berlin and Leipzig,” says Kevin. The reason for building a special pepper greenhouse was the growing demand for peppers from the upscale retail sector, which was already supplied with tomatoes by Wittenberg Gemüse. Kevin: "Compared to tomatoes and cucumbers, there are still not many suppliers of greenhouse peppers, so there are still significant growth opportunities out there."
For the cultivation under glass, the most modern technology is available
Sales & Expansion
The last greenhouse vegetable season was satisfactory for Wittenberg GmbH, both in terms of sales and product quality. One of the four varieties has definitely been replaced by a new type of tomato. "Instead of the Bellastar, we have launched the so-called Angelle. This is a small snack tomato as well, packaged in cups. The taste is comparable to the Bellastar. We are also continuing to develop the Capricia tomato, with the aim of obtaining a higher Brix value and a better flavour," explains Kevin. The other two greenhouse varieties are the cocktail tomato Brioso and the premium tomato Lyterno.
Residual heat
Together with the tomato greenhouse opened in 2013, Wittenberg Gemüse currently has a good 22 hectares at its disposal. Despite the high level of competition, the company has managed to achieve a good position in the German market, within just five years. The well-known brand name Luther - a reference to the famous reformer Martin Luther, who was born in Wittenberg - has certainly contributed to this. Furthermore, the location of the mega-greenhouse in Germany offers good opportunities for expansion. Kevin: "We want to expand even more in the coming years. Since we use the residual heat of the nearby artificial fertilizer factory, we do not need additional energy. This synergy saves us high production costs and that is pure profit over the competition.”
Wittenberg Gemüse GmbH is a partnership between the Dutch Van Gog Kwekerijen and the German elite Frische Service GmbH. After the first contacts in 2009, the construction of the tomato greenhouse followed. This was completed in 2013. From the first harvest, the sales and distribution company is focused on the local market and nature-friendly farming methods are very important. Potentially, Wittenberg has a total acreage of 45 hectares.
For more information:
Wittenberg Gemüse GmbH
Hans-Heinrich-Franck-Straße 5
D-06886, Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Tel. (+49) 03491 - 50 62 50
Fax (+49) 03491 - 50 62 511
E-Mail: Info@wittenberg-gemuese.de