The Aldi Süd subsidiary, Hofer, is the first supermarket chain to analyse the origin of its fruit and vegetables. This way customers can really trust the Austrian origin of the product.
The company, Imprint Analytics, identifies the unique fingerprint with isotope analysis and compares the fresh produce to reference samples taken directly from the Austrian farms. This makes it possible to detect if, for example, tomatoes labeled "Austrian" really come from Austria or have been purchased elsewhere.
The regional differences in the soil and the climate create a unique isotope fingerprint. And, while the plant grows, it develops natural markers, a very specific pattern of stable isotopes, which stay in the plant even throughout processing. These markers can be made visible with a special technique and the plants’ identifiable fingerprint is created. Thus, a purely analytical test of origin, independent of any documentation, is made possible.
With this foolproof procedure, Hofer guarantees its customers high-quality products of 100% Austrian origin at a great price.
www.hofer.at