Suche
Mein Konto
Spreewaldkonserve cuts 200 jobs: Golßen in shock!
The Spreewaldkonserve in Golßen announces the reduction of 200 jobs in order to reduce losses. Market conditions and restructuring affect production.
Spreewaldkonserve cuts 200 jobs: Golßen in shock!
The future of the traditional company Spreewaldkonserve in Golßen is in the balance. From the end of October, 200 jobs will be cut, as managing director Till Alvermann confirms in a current report. The restructuring is necessary to get the company, which records double-digit million annual losses, back on track. The previous business model, which included year-round operation, will be switched to seasonal operation for cucumbers, so that production in Golßen will be completely discontinued after 2026. Only logistics will continue to be carried out in Golßen, while the production of pickled cucumbers and preserves will be relocated to neighboring Schöneiche. This decision does not come as a surprise, as Spreewaldkonserve, founded in Golßen, has been in the red for years, due, among other things, to increased energy and raw material prices as well as the after-effects of the corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine. According to Alvermann, the overall market for canned goods is difficult, especially due to low prices and margins that are putting pressure on the business. In 2021, Spreewaldkonserve GmbH was acquired by the French food company Andros, which created new challenges that impacted operations.
The situation is dramatic for the approximately 220 affected employees, most of whom live in Golßen. The company ensures that it will have around 60 permanent employees until the end of the year, but next year this will only be 30. Mayor Andrea Schulz is shocked by the situation, which has serious consequences for the city, as around ten percent of the residents are employed in the pickle factory. Protests against the closure have already emerged, and Brandenburg's Economics Minister Daniel Keller has also intervened. However, Alvermann emphasizes the historical significance of Golßen as the place of origin of the Spreewald cucumber, which has been a protected brand name within the EU since 1999.
Market dynamics and economic conditions
The current economic situation represents a challenge for many companies. Brandenburg's economy grew less strongly in 2023 than in the previous year, and companies in the region struggled with high energy costs and general purchasing reluctance. Despite these setbacks, Brandenburg's economy bucked the trend, while sales in the manufacturing sector increased. However, recent developments in the construction industry show that there is a decline due to increased prices and poor financing conditions. The overall economic development has deteriorated noticeably since the first half of 2024, which also has negative effects on the Spreewaldkonserve.
The current minimum wage of 12.82 euros will be increased to 14.60 euros from 2027, which worries Alvermann as the planned increase could bring additional burdens for the remaining employees in an already tense situation.
The challenges facing the Spreewaldkonserve and the associated workforce reductions are a striking example of the difficulties that companies face today. The “Spreewaldhof” brand remains well-known, but it remains to be seen what the future of the popular canned cucumbers will look like and whether the many employees can find a new perspective.