Christmas tree prices in Bavaria: cultivation stable, prices uncertain

Christmas tree prices in Bavaria: cultivation stable, prices uncertain

Ergolding (dpa/lby)- This year the Christmas tree makers in Bavaria have little to struggle with the climatic conditions. The weather was friendly, which could cause the plants to thrive well. Nevertheless, the companies face an uncertain future when it comes to pricing. Thomas Emslander, the chairman of the Bavarian Christmas Baubauer from Ergolding, clarifies: "We need a price adjustment". Many companies had to close due to rising costs, which has a negative impact on the amount of the trees available.

There are a total of around 400 companies in Bavaria that are devoted to Christmas tree cultivation, around 200 of which have come together in Emslanders. The focus of production is especially in northern Bavaria, where the conditions for cultivation are particularly cheap. This number shows that the industry is traditional, but is by no means standing still. Every year there are new challenges that need to be mastered.

Nordmann fir remains favorite

The demand for Christmas trees is still unbroken. The Nordmann fir in particular is very popular and makes up about 75 to 80 percent of the Christmas tree market. Plants follow in the places like the blue. In the past few months, these tree species have benefited from a lot of sun and enough water, which could lead to a good harvest. However, the right care is a constant challenge that farmers employs all year round.

Thomas Emslander explains that the work in Christmas tree cultivation continues all year round. In spring the planting time begins when the seedlings are brought into the field. These are usually missing between three and four years before finding the final place in the living room. In the course of the year, numerous maintenance measures are required to keep the trees strong and healthy. From autumn the time of labeling begins, in which the trees are marked, which are to be cut later.

The period of time from plants to use as a Christmas tree is remarkable. The tree needs about six to ten years to reach the desired height before it can be festively decorated. This makes it clear that the Christmas brewers have to think in the long term. Another aspect is the additional business with cutting green, which is used for various purposes, especially for mourning wreaths. This demand increases especially in October and culminates around All Saints' Day.

The challenges in the industry are therefore diverse: While the weather offered favorable conditions this year, the companies are still under pressure to adapt their prices in order to be able to survive economically. The increasing costs, including for materials and care, forcing many to consider how they can continue to lead their businesses.

economic challenges of the Christmas tree builders

the future of the Christmas tree maker is uncertain. Thomas Emslander makes it clear that this situation has caused many entrepreneurs to rethink their lease contracts or even get out of business. It remains to be seen how market prices are developing and whether these adjustments are already too late.

The Bavarian Christmas tree builders are at a critical point. While you continue to fight for the high quality of your products, you have to secure your economic basics at the same time. In the coming years, this could lead to further diversification of the providers, which may open up new business areas in order to detach themselves from the traditionally fluctuating markets. The challenges are great, but the love of tree breeding remains unbroken.

Ergolding (dpa/lby)- The weather is not causing any major problems this year. It is still unclear where the prices are going. "We need a price adjustment," says Thomas Emslander, chairman of the Bavarian Christmas Baumbauer association in Ergolding (Landshut district). A number of companies had stopped due to the costs. This also affects the quantities of the trees.

across Bavaria there are around 400 companies that grow Christmas trees. Around 200 of them are organized in the club, says Emslander. The focus of the Christmas tree cultivation is in northern Bavaria. 

Favorite Christmas tree: Nordmann fir

The extension and maintenance of the trees are an all -year task according to Emslander. The trees are planted in spring - they come from nurseries aged three to four years - and in autumn the time of labeling begins. Then the trees are marked, which are to be cut. After planting, the trees would need another six to ten years until they are large enough to be decorated with candles as a Christmas tree in Bavarian living rooms.

A second business for the Christmas tree maker is cut green, which is used for mourning wreaths, for example. The high phase begins in October, and the demand for All Saints' Day is particularly high.

price development and market conditions

The price development in the Christmas tree business traditionally depends on several factors, including general economic conditions and production costs. In 2023, rising costs for fertilizers and transport put the profitability of many companies under pressure. According to the Bavarian Farmers' Association, the production costs in agriculture have increased by up to 30 percent since 2020, which has a direct impact on the price setting in the Christmas tree sector. The uncertain market situation has also led to the demand for Christmas trees in recent years.

Another aspect is the competition from artificial Christmas trees that have become increasingly popular in recent years. In order to be able to better assess the price development, the Christmas tree makers also observe international markets, especially the Scandinavian countries that export large amounts of Nordmann firs.

sustainability in Christ tree cultivation

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the Christmas tree sector. Many companies in Bavaria value environmentally friendly growing methods. Among other things, this includes the waiver of chemical pesticides and the care of tree cultures that promote biodiversity. Ecoland construction has gained in importance in recent years, and some producers have also switched to ecological standards in order to satisfy increasing demand from environmentally conscious consumers.

Consumers' awareness of sustainable products has meant that many buyers opt for regionally produced Christmas trees. This not only promotes the local economy, but also reduces the CO₂ footprint, which is created by long transport routes. Initiatives to promote regional products support this development by highlighting the advantages of domestic Christmas tree cultures.