Baumkuchen production has a long tradition in Saxony-Anhalt, but the companies are not only concerned about the high energy prices.
Wernigerode (dpa/sa) - Saxony-Anhalt's Baumkuchen companies complain about difficult production conditions. "We have the problem of a lack of staff," said the boss of the Harzer Baumkuchen, Christian Feuerstack. There is a lack of bakers, confectioners and service staff. He was currently missing three additional baking and service staff for his nine-person team.
Only when they were working could one open five days a week, said Feuerstack - not even seven days like before. From January to August they will therefore be closed on Sundays and Mondays. These closing times cost him at least 150,000 euros, according to Feuerstack. However, energy prices are not a big problem for him. He fixed the gas prices until the end of 2024.
In Wernigerode, Feuerstack produces classic Baumkuchen with various chocolate coatings. For him, a kilo costs around 34 euros, up to 40 euros for Baumkuchen filled with marzipan or nougat. He produces around 30 to 35 tons of Baumkuchen per year.
The nationally known Salzwedeler Baumkuchen GmbH had complained about the high energy prices a few weeks ago. By the end of the year, one now has certainty about the gas prices for the operation, said managing director Rosemarie Lehmann. That creates some planning security. But prices for packaging and raw materials have also been rising for some time.
The company does not have much leeway in terms of price. A kilo of Baumkuchen from the Salzwedel factory already costs 43 euros, said Lehmann. The prices at discounters are significantly lower. Nevertheless, the Baumkuchen from Saxony-Anhalt seems to be popular with gourmets and is offered, among other things, in the famous delicatessen department of KaDeWe in Berlin.
It is not possible to say exactly how much Baumkuchen is produced in Saxony-Anhalt. Many companies keep their quantities secret. According to the State Statistical Office, the sales value of the products sold by the 42 confectionery manufacturers in Saxony-Anhalt last year was around 165 million euros.
