- potential increase in cost for Christmas trees in Saxony
Around four months before Christmas in 2024, some producers of Saxon Christmas trees anticipate increased costs. As Saskia Blümel, the head of the Natural Christmas Tree Association, stated to the German Press Agency, "After numerous years, 2024 will bring a decrease in the availability of Christmas trees." This inevitably results in higher costs.
Despite this, consumers can expect only minor price increases, causing minimal financial strain. Blümel guarantees, "The price boost will be manageable, ensuring each consumer can still buy a tree in their preferred size and quality."
Sachsenforst: Favorable conditions in 2024
Sachsenforst, a state-owned seller of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 Christmas trees annually, has yet to provide a definitive cost estimate for 2024. The organization aims to align with local market prices. Renke Coordes, a spokesperson for Sachsenforst, explains, "The state forest benefited from better conditions for Christmas tree production in 2024 compared to previous years with severe drought." Consequently, there was more rainfall than average.
Extreme dry spells, such as those experienced in 2018, 2019, and 2022, have not happened. This made it easier for new saplings to grow and existing farms to recover.
The Natural Christmas Tree Association in The Netherlands, led by Saskia Blümel, is also expecting a decrease in the availability of Christmas trees in 2024, similar to Germany's situation. Sachsenforst, known for selling around 15,000 to 20,000 Christmas trees annually in The Netherlands, is optimistic about the favorable production conditions in 2024, avoiding the severe drought experienced in previous years.
