Ehrenfeld farm reports worst kiwi harvest due to drought

The Naturland-certified Ehrenfeld farm in Hardthausen-Kochersteinfeld, Württemberg, has concluded its kiwi harvest, reporting the worst yield in the company's history. Manager Ingo Ehrenfeld attributed the decline to extreme summer heat and a prolonged drought, which was the driest period in decades for the region and resulted in government-imposed irrigation bans.

Beyond weather challenges, the farm faces market difficulties. While the juice industry shows interest in kiwi-based products, high costs remain a barrier. Additionally, the fresh market demand for hard kiwis makes it difficult for local producers to compete with cheaper imports, primarily from Portugal. Despite being stocked by retailers like Edeka Südwest, regional organic kiwis remain a niche product in the German retail market.