Rising Prices Expected for Christmas Trees This Year

Consumers looking to purchase Christmas trees this holiday season should prepare for higher prices, as indicated by the Federal Association of Christmas Tree and Cut Greens Producers (BVWE). The recommended price range has increased to between EUR23 and EUR30 per meter for Nordmann fir trees, reflecting a EUR1 rise compared to last year.

The primary drivers behind this price increase are the escalating costs incurred by producers, particularly in terms of labor and logistics. Adverse weather conditions, including frost and drought, have also negatively impacted the growth of young Christmas trees. Lars Zimmermann, a representative from the BVWE, noted that drought has been particularly detrimental to the young plants.

While there is an adequate supply of quality trees, consumers can still expect to pay more. The region of purchase also plays a significant role in pricing; typically, Christmas trees are more expensive in urban areas than in rural locations.

The harvest season for Christmas trees is set to commence in November, with larger operations supplying tree markets often starting their harvest slightly earlier. The BVWE has reported that some producers in Bavaria and Brandenburg have experienced significant losses due to the adverse climate. Both mature and younger trees have suffered, with younger ones falling behind in their growth by as much as two years and experiencing loss rates of up to 40%. Vincent Köhler, who owns the Krämerwaldhof in Brandenburg, highlighted these challenges faced by tree growers.

The BVWE currently represents around 600 member businesses, with the majority of Christmas trees sold in Germany sourced from domestic farms. In recent years, there has been a growing trend for consumers to cut down their own trees directly from farms, adding a personal touch to the holiday tradition.