You can feel it everywhere right now: the days are getting longer, the light is changing - and with it our mood. Spring brings movement. Into nature, into our thoughts and also into our companies. Easter is just under four weeks away - you can read more about delivery times in this issue of Food News. Regardless of the calendar, this time of year is an invitation to a new beginning. It stands for hope and for the confidence that growth is possible again after challenging phases.
We are also going through a period of economic transition. In many conversations with my Co-Managing Director Fabian Kretschmer over the past few weeks, this has been precisely the point: markets remain challenging, framework conditions are changing, certainties are shifting. And yet we are not experiencing any resignation at Paul M. Müller. On the contrary. I see drive, a sense of responsibility and a clear will to find solutions in the team.
Because you can't change everything. But you can decide how to deal with it. Whether you wait and see or take action. Whether you stay in your comfort zone or take the next step. Even if the mood in the country often seems sceptical, we can see the room for manoeuvre. We are discovering opportunities. Progress rarely comes from convenience - it comes when people take action.
One thing is clear: many external factors are beyond our control. But our industry demonstrates its creative power time and time again. Food connects people. Logistics ensures supply. Catering creates spaces for encounters. This is not a matter of course, but a daily achievement.
While we are thinking ahead operationally, we are also looking ahead: for example, we expect pineapple prices to move as soon as the new season starts. We are expecting the summer harvest in the coming months. We will also keep you informed about the current market situation in other product groups.
What makes me particularly optimistic in these weeks: The future doesn't just happen at some point. It comes from decisions made in the here and now. Spring means new beginnings - and new beginnings start with confidence.
Sincerely
Yours, Thomas Schneidawind
