In the initial harvest period, farmers were counting on larger crops than last year, but this year's weather conditions were not very kind to them. Frosts, heavy rainfall, and numerous hailstorms caused smaller harvests among growers in Wielkopolska. The problem of difficult weather conditions affects not only Poland, but also many other European countries, where vegetable and fruit cultivation is becoming more and more demanding.
Collections in Pudliszki
The turn of August and September is associated by many with fresh tomatoes, which herald the end of summer. The harvest season is clearly felt in Pudliszki in Wielkopolska, where the Pudliszki and Heinz brands are located, among others. It is estimated that this year, the company's plant will process up to 2 billion of these fruits, all from local suppliers. A total of almost 150 farmers and 70 combine harvesters have been involved in the ongoing harvest. As much as 90% of all vegetable and fruit supplies to the Kraft Heinz factory come from farms within a radius of about 30 km from the plant.
Pudliszki focuses on local farmers
Kraft Heinz's cooperation with farmers is based on mutual trust and support. These relationships are key to the continuous improvement of cultivation processes and the introduction of innovations in production. Each supplier working for the Pudliszki plant must keep a detailed field book, which records all information regarding crops: applied fertilizers, plant protection products, all cultivation procedures and research. This ensures the highest quality of products and compliance with industry norms and standards.
Cooperation with regional farms is the basis for the operation of the Kraft Heinz factory. Polish farmers provide us with not only the best vegetables and fruits but also valuable knowledge, thanks to which the highest quality products have been produced in Pudliszki for over 100 years. We support Polish agriculture, while ensuring the highest freshness and authentic taste of Heinz and Pudliszki products – says Wojciech Roesler, Operations Manager, head of the Kraft Heinz Polska factory.
The Cooperative Group of Fruit and Vegetable Producers for Processing in Krobia (SGP), whose strategic partner is Kraft Heinz, annually establishes a list of recommended tomato varieties together with the plant. Farmers have the opportunity to choose varieties from this list, which allows them to adapt crops to current conditions and market requirements.
Tomatoes for juice production and a small portion of those used for concentrate production are still picked by hand, which accounts for about 5% of the total crop. Hand picking is an extremely demanding job. One worker can pick 500 to 800 kg of fruit in 8 hours, depending on the yield and size of the fruit.
Mechanical harvesting is more efficient, but also requires a lot of workers. The largest harvesters, operated by a team of 8 people, can harvest up to 20,000 kg of tomatoes per hour. Smaller harvesters, with a crew of 4-5 people, harvest about 5,000 kg per hour.
Kraft Heinz’s long-standing collaboration with regional farms and organizations enables flexible adjustment of crops to changing market conditions, which is key to maintaining high production standards.
