EN Partners by nature.

Sustainability

Gemüsering goes Zero

 

Pioneer in climate neutrality: Gemüsering Stuttgart is the first company in the "fresh vegetables and fruit" sector to commit to consistently pursuing the path to climate neutrality at its own site and along the supply chain.

The programme run by the Centre for Sustainable Business Management at Witten/Herdecke University (ZNU) highlights Gemüsering's pioneering position in the field of "sustainable business". Our goal is to continuously reduce emissions with scientific support from the ZNU; any emissions that cannot be avoided are offset through compensation programmes at company level.

 

 

Gemüsering

ZNU-certified

The ZNU standard for sustainable management allows Gemüsering to make an active and measurable contribution to sustainable changes in the economy and society step-by-step.

1.

certified company in the fruit+veg sector

16

Gemüsering locations already certified

18

Gemüsering locations certified by the end of 2023

20

Gemüsering locations planned by 2024

Sustainable management

Goals and achievements

ENVIRONMENT

100% green electricity: Following the conversion at the first seven locations, which began in 2019, 14 locations in Germany have been using green electricity since the end of 2021 – with a further 13 locations set to follow in 2022. We are also upping our investment in photovoltaic systems at our locations, whose generated electricity is used in-house.

ENVIRONMENT

CO2-neutral
Besides Gemüsering Stuttgart, TOGAZ locations and Gemüsering Thüringen now also operate on a CO2-neutral basis as part of ‘ZNU goes Zero’.
In tomato and carrot production, five products from CO2-neutral production were also distributed in 2021.

ENVIRONMENT

In 2020 and 2021, the flowering areas were first expanded to 20 hectares and finally to 27.6 hectares. As our flowering area offer is very popular with farms, we are increasing our target from 30 to 50 hectares of flowering areas by 2025.

ENVIRONMENT

–24% entry consumption
Reduction of total energy consumption by 24% (2016 to 2020).

ENVIRONMENT

100% certified
In 2019, 100%* of products came from controlled and certified farms (*except for non-certifiable products such as wild garlic).

ENVIRONMENT

3,000 samples
Every year the Gemüsering group carries out over 3,000 internal plant protection product and microbiology samples.

SOCIAL

Implementation of 75% of the employee suggestions
Including things such as employee-initiated team events to strengthen team spirit.

SOCIAL

Home office
Expansion of the home office opportunities in the marketing, quality management and human resources departments, as well as for employees in other sectors.

SOCIAL

Three Bachelor’s/Master’s theses were successfully mentored at the University of Hohenheim and at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University in 2001. We are also supporting two research projects at the IVV and ZNU: FreshInPac and BioVal. Both the mentoring of student research projects and cooperation with colleges and universities are to be continued and expanded in the future.

SOCIAL

Tafel Baden-Württemberg
We support the Swabian food banks in avoiding food waste by providing high quality goods that are distributed to the socially and economically disadvantaged.

ECONOMY

The majority of our products are distributed as private labels; only a few are packaged in-house. With the exception of cups and trays made of PET, all packaging can be recycled well or very well. Overall, we are paying more attention to eliminating plastic – or, where possible, doing without packaging altogether.

Sustainable management

Our guidelines

Conserve resources

We use resources responsibly. For example, we use modern irrigation techniques for water-conserving cultivation, regularly modernise our storage locations and use the waste heat from our greenhouse operations.

Strengthen team spirit

We encourage personal responsibility and team spirit. Team events such as football tournaments or team excursions strengthen our team spirit and sense of cohesion outside the office.

Work in partnership

We stand for reliable and cooperative partnership and, together with our partners, continuously develop solutions for the successful production and marketing of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Gemüsering Eigene Produktion: Handarbeit bei der Basilikumernte

Fair treatment

We act fairly along the entire value chain. We value sustainable agricultural management, e.g. with a well thought-out crop rotation schedule, careful use of resources and measures to promote biodiversity.

Compensation programmes

Further information

Interview

Sustainability at Gemüsering

Sustainability has been practised in the company for years. In a short interview, our sustainability officer, Dr Thorsten Strissel reveals what tasks and challenges he faces when it comes to this important topic.

Go to Interview
Nachhaltigkeit beim Gemüsering: Nachhaltigkeitsbeauftragter Dr. Thorsten Strissel im Interview

Sustainably certified

Centre for Sustainable Business Management

The programme run by the Centre for Sustainable Business Management at Witten/Herdecke University (ZNU) highlights Gemüsering's pioneering position in the field of "sustainable business".

Baden-Württemberg quality mark

Our products labelled with the Baden-Württemberg quality mark are foodstuffs of excellent quality with traceable origins. The label is awarded by the State of Baden-Württemberg, represented by the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection (MLR).

Regionalfenster

The "Regionalfenster" seal is a verified identification of the regional origin and processing of the product - with additional indication of the inspection body. The Regionalfenster label makes it easier for consumers to recognise products of regional origin and therefore make consciously sustainable purchases.

Create future!

New concepts

 

We love to value people and nature. That is why we use resources responsibly: We regularly review and modernise our operations in order to be able to work in an energy-efficient and resource-saving manner. We are also creating the future with new concepts – like the construction of a new hydroponic greenhouse facility to reduce water requirements while avoiding soil contamination.

 

Avoiding food waste

We love to appreciate the value of people and nature. For that reason, we’re keen to take part in various initiatives that help to reduce food waste. Fruit and vegetables that fail to meet requirements and standards can thus find an alternative route to our plates. For example, Schwäbische Tafel e.V. drops in at our cold storage facility every day and picks up ‘surplus goods’ for its food banks in the region. At etepetete, end consumers can order bio-boxes filled with different combinations of goods. We are also happy to support our customers’ concepts and supply them with ‘B-goods’ for their sustainable labels, such as ‘Die etwas anderen’ or ‘Krumme Dinger’.

For an extra portion of fruit and vegetables

As part of the EU school programme, we supply schools with fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables. This gives the children a taste of these fresh foods and allows them to learn at an early age how to integrate them into their everyday diet. Through the educational support of the programme, children learn more about where the food comes from, the variety of products and how to eat a balanced diet. They also improve important food skills.

Gemüsering unterstützt das Schulfruchtprogramm Baden-Württembergs

Modern tomato cultivation

The greenhouse in Zorbau draws its energy from a microgrid network, making it a pioneer in Germany. Microgrids are self-sufficient sufficient island networks that do not burden the public power grid – therefore becoming increasingly important for the energy transition. In 2020, we set up a full LED lighting system for our cultivational processes. Thanks to this, we have been able to reduce energy consumption by approx. 25%, compared to conventional lighting systems. Also in 2020, we avoided producing 1,326 tonnes of CO2 emissions, by using 100% green electricity at all Gemüsering Group locations.

Ressource-saving cultivation

Together with Rheinlandgemüse Hydro, we are setting a new hydroponic greenhouse facility into operation for resource-saving lettuce cultivation. Cultivating lettuces in a closed system saves 70% water compared to outdoor production and also eliminates all types of soil contamination.

Research for the future

In collaboration with the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT), a vertical farming container provided by Gemüsering is being used to scientifically support indoor farming as part of various projects. The Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences has received a Growtainer for research and training purposes. The HSWT researches, among other things, product quality and resource efficiency in plant production in indoor farming systems”.

Renewable energy for production

 

Gemüsering already uses many existing roof areas to generate energy at almost all of our production sites. The electricity from the photovoltaic systems at the Friedrichskoog location covers 15% of the requirements to operate the cold-storage rooms and is fed in directly. This produces savings of around 50 tonnes of CO₂. Ideal conditions near to the North Sea coast make the operation of our own wind power plants efficient and ensure energy supply, even during the darker months of the year.

 

Solarpark Green Energy

Green Energy, the affiliate of the Gemüsering Group, operates photovoltaic systems in Germany. Through large-scale solar panel installations on open fields as well as on many roofs of Gemüsering’s production and marketing buildings, Green Energy produces solar energy which is not only used for its own needs but is also fed into the public grid.

Quality by conviction!

Quality management

 

Quality management starts with the supervision of production in the field and extends to answering enquiries from end consumers – for example, regarding optimal storage of the products after purchase. It supports our producers and suppliers in choosing suitable varieties and helps them with questions about certifications; it evaluates the goods during incoming and outgoing procedures, and tests their shelf life and optimal packaging. These activities are aimed at maintaining quality in terms of appearance and taste – from the harvested product through to the end consumer.

 

Quality rule #1

Be active rather than reactive

Be active rather than reactive – The quality management team at Gemüsering relies on the early detection of the latest developments in order to actively counteract production if necessary and to ensure legal security for all those involved in the supply chain. We consider product security in every respect an obligation.

Quality rule #2

Quality management

Quality management is an integral part of our corporate philosophy that is constantly evolving. It starts with the supervision of production in the field and extends to answering enquiries from end consumers. It supports our producers and suppliers in choosing suitable varieties and helps them with questions about certifications; it evaluates the goods during incoming and outgoing procedures, and tests their shelf life and optimal packaging. These activities are aimed at maintaining quality in terms of appearance and taste – from the harvested product through to the end consumer.

Quality rule #3

Share experience

In order to ensure the high quality of our products, we meet the standards of certifications required by the trade. We actively incorporate our experience from production, marketing and trade to the various committees of QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH, GlobalG.A.P., the DFHV, the Regionalfenster e. V. or product advisory boards.

Gemüsering Qualitätsmanagement-Regeln und Kontrollen für höchste Produktqualität

Qualität rule #4

Responsible use of resources

The activities of our company are aimed at the long-term conservation of essential resources. The focus is on different areas, depending on the growing region. These include the use of renewable energies in production and storage locations, as well as measures to reduce energy consumption or the sustainable use of water and measures to promote biodiversity.

Gemüsering Qualitätsmanagement-Regeln und Kontrollen für den schonungsvollen Umgang mit Ressourcen

Quality rule #5

Support the natural balance

When dealing with any questions relating to sustainability, a dialogue must be established between everyone involved in order to strive for a balance of ecological, social and economic aspects. It is only through cooperation along the supply chain that further developments can be made in all areas such as production, logistics and society.

Quality without compromise

 

Quality and freshness are two of the most important components of our daily commitment. Our defined quality management processes cover all procedures from the controlled receipt of goods to professional storage and commissioning to delivery to the customer. Regular product analyses conducted by state-approved external laboratories, extensive certification controls (IFS, Global GAP, QS, BIO, QZBW), and traceability of a product back to the producer are just as much a matter of course for us as our internal audits, which provide us with important information about the fulfilment of set quality requirements.

 

GlobalG.A.P

GlobalG.A.P is a private, globally applied quality assurance and certification system for agriculture. GlobalGAP is primarily a business-to-business initiative. Its main objective is to improve food safety by ensuring compliance with standards.

Regionalfenster

The "Regionalfenster" seal is a verified identification of the regional origin and processing of the product - with additional indication of the inspection body. The Regionalfenster label makes it easier for consumers to recognise products of regional origin and therefore make consciously sustainable purchases.

IFS Cash & Carry

IFS Cash and Carry Standard certification enables wholesalers and cash and carry wholesalers to ensure transparent and traceable food safety and quality. The standard can be applied to both packaged and loose food.

QS test mark

The QS test mark signifies tested quality assurance for fresh food – from the producer to the shop counter! Be it meat and sausages or fruit, vegetables and potatoes – food with the QS test mark has a precisely documented and controlled life cycle.

EU organic

The EU organic label is awarded to products that meet all the standards of EU legislation on organic farming.

Baden-Württemberg quality mark

The quality mark issued by the state of Baden-Württemberg is a seal of quality for products that have been produced and processed according to special product-specific requirements that go beyond the legal guidelines and are of traceable origin. The label is awarded by the State of Baden-Württemberg, represented by the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection (MLR).

 

Organic is close to our hearts

 

Gemüsering has been certified organic for almost 15 years. We market organic fruits and vegetables from our own organic production farms or from cooperation with selected, efficient partner producers.

 

Lindenhof, Altlußheim

In the peaceful Rhine valley, in Altlußheim, lies Lindenhof, an organic vegetable farm. As well as the core product organic carrots, the family farm also grows and harvests organic courgettes, organic onions and organic potatoes across around 240 hectares of land. The climate in the Rhine Valley makes for a particularly early start to the harvest in the season. Vegetables of excellent organic quality and ecological management are very much aligned with the philosophy of farm manager Tanita Gunzelmann. She comments, "Producing the highest quality in harmony with nature and the environment is a challenge we are happy to take on."

Merz-Biogemüse, Neulußheim

Merz Biogemüse GmbH & Co. KG is a modern processing and packaging company for organic carrots and organic vegetables. The packing and processing company has its origins in Hubert Merz's organic farm, which was established in 1991. Merz Biogemüse sells organic carrots from neighbouring Lindenhof's regional production, as well as from national and international suppliers and growers. As well as organic carrots, fresh organic soup vegetables and other organic vegetables including parsnips, parsley, beetroot and courgettes are delivered to our customers throughout Germany. Hubert Merz maintains regular personal contact with organic farmers in order to guarantee consistent quality and freshness.

Buchenhof Bio-Gemüse, Köngen

The Schumacher family from Köngen markets various organic salads, organic cabbage and organic courgettes from almost 15 hectares of farmland under the name Buchenhof Biogemüse. At Buchenhof, farming is based on the Naturland cultivation guidelines, whereby organic vegetable production generally also involves an important contribution to active environmental protection for the farm. As a result, flower borders and fallow areas with intercrops to maintain healthy soil can be found in many fields.

Paul Clauss, Esslingen

The family business in Esslingen-Ostfildern evolved from its parent conventional vegetable farm a few years ago. The Clauss family farms about 40 hectares according to Bioland guidelines. Paul Clauss also values environmentally friendly and sustainable production. Its core products are various organic cresses, organic chard and organic turnips.

Actiture Organic Vegetable, North Spain

The core products of the Spanish organic producer are broccoli and cauliflower. Established in 2000 and specialising in organic production since 2005, the company provides organic and conventional production according to European standards over approximately 1,000 hectares in the mild climate of Navarre and Aragon (northern Spain). The produce is freshly harvested and immediately processed in our own packing and cold storage facilities. The strategically advantageous location means that products reach our customers with significantly shorter delivery and ordering times.

Murgiverde, South Spain

About 500 producers are united under the umbrella of Murgiverde as coöepratives. Based in Almería, the geographical characteristics of the region with its semi-desert climate and over 300 days of sunshine per year are used to grow a large part of the vegetables that are marketed throughout Europe on approximately 1,000 hectares all year round. Organic peppers, organic cucumbers, organic courgettes, organic aubergines, organic vine tomatoes and organic melons are produced, directly processed and delivered. Murgiverde is certified organic as well as Demeter and Naturland.

Bio Campojoyma, South Spain

Born from the dream of contributing to environmental sustainability through the cultivation of organic fruit and vegetables, the Montoya family is now a proud producer and market leader of organic Spanish vegetables. From the beginning, they have used farming models that respect our earth and its resources. Over 500 hectares in Almeria and Murcia are used to grow organic certified and partially Demeter certified organic cucumbers, organic aubergines, organic peppers, organic tomatoes, organic courgettes, organic lemons and organic melons. Bio Campojoyma is a traditional farm that has long since earned its name in the organic segment in Germany.

Contact

Gemüsering Stuttgart GmbH
Langwiesenweg 30 (Großmarkt)
70327 Stuttgart

Tel.  (+49) 711 / 16865 0
Fax  (+49) 711 / 16865 99

Email info@gemuesering.de

Contact person