German tree growers Baumschule Christoph Marken and Saterplant are in financial trouble. In both cases, missed sales from the Covid crisis and cancelled orders due to the war in Ukraine are the cause. In the coming period, the companies will sit down with its creditors, and the future should become clear. Both companies see sufficient prospects.
German tree nursery BCM Baumschule Christoph Marken has been under the German insolvency scheme since 15 August. Stagnating sales to Eastern Europe are a major reason for the financial problems, according to receiver Christian Kaufmann. He estimates that, due to the war in Ukraine and the consequent lack of orders from Russia, the company lost some 20% of its sales this spring.
Kaufmann says cost increases in pots, packaging materials and transport, among others, have also led to the financial problems. In addition, the company previously lost orders – and thus sales – due to the Covid crisis. Kaufmann says that 2018 and 2019 were good years for the company but that sales declined sharply in 2020 due to the lockdowns of DIY stores, among other reasons. This year, the Ukraine crisis will lead to "a few million euros" in unsold plants.
