Cucumber season's commencement prompts job reductions at the Spreewald produce factory - Post-pickle season, a Spreewald producer is downsizing workforce
In the picturesque town of Golßen, known as the birthplace of the renowned Spreewald cucumber, a storm of controversy has erupted. The traditional vegetable processor Spreewaldkonserve, a protector of the Spreewald cucumber brand within the European Union since 1999, has announced plans to cut 200 jobs and close one of its production facilities.
The decision, which will see the Schoeneiche site shuttered, comes as the company grapples with an annual loss in double-digit millions and a shift towards seasonal operations for cucumbers. This change will leave the Golßen facility operational, but with a reduced workforce of approximately 60 employees by the end of the year, compared to 30 during the coming cucumber season.
The cucumber season for Spreewaldkonserve, which primarily occurs in July and August, has been the subject of recent protests in Golßen. Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, Daniel Keller (SPD), has even joined the fray, expressing concerns over the end of cucumber production.
Managing Director Till Alvermann, who took the helm of Spreewaldkonserve Golßen GmbH in December, is optimistic that many affected colleagues will find new jobs nearby. However, he cautions that a rise in the minimum wage, which will reach 14.60 euros by January 1, 2027, could make cucumbers from Germany more expensive. This sentiment is shared by the farmers' association, which warns of serious consequences from the minimum wage increase.
The French food conglomerate Andros, which acquired Spreewaldkonserve in 2021, has yet to reveal its future plans for vegetable cultivation. Despite requests for updated statements, there are no relevant search results available regarding the company's future plans or reasons for the job cuts after the cucumber season.
Amidst these challenges, Alvermann remains committed to making the company profitable again. The future concept and job reduction will not change, despite the altered decision to close Schoeneiche instead of Golßen. This decision, while controversial, reflects the company's efforts to adapt and survive in the face of economic pressures.
In light of the financial struggles faced by Spreewaldkonserve, the management is proposing a community policy that includes vocational training programs to assist the 200 displaced workers in transitioning to other industries. This initiative could potentially aid in securing sustainable employment within local businesses, thereby addressing the economic concerns raised by Brandenburg's Minister of Economics.
