"The season for protected cultivation spinach has just started here in Seeland", says Romeo Ceroni, managing director of the fruit and vegetable company etter & berno AG, from Ried/Kerzers in Switzerland. "We try to source our products as regionally as possible, and if no spinach from Seeland or Switzerland is available, we get the goods from Germany, Italy or Spain."
"The goods currently available are grown either in greenhouses or under foil covers. The open field season is expected to begin in mid-April and will end in October," says Ceroni. The price of this spinach lies far above the free range products: "Cultivation is more expensive, therefore, the kilo price is currently at CHF4.00 (€3.50).For the open field season, we expect prices of around CHF2.50 (€2.20). "That's the case for all early varieties that are already available in March and early April. Depending on the weather, he expects a more relaxed situation from mid-April onwards.
"We also sell TK spinach, as there is clearly a clientele for it." While the catering industry prefers the frozen goods, our other customers - market stalls, private individuals and small greengrocers - want more fresh produce, as far as it is available," says the marketer , In a poorer growing season they automatically switch to TK products, but overall demand has remained constant over the years. "Apart from the fresh and frozen vegetables, we also offer salad spinach, salad mix with spinach, and washed spinach for our customers in gastronomy."
"Our strengths are seasonal products, preferably from the Seeland growing area." Accordingly, wild garlic simply has to be available in the next few weeks. "Right now we are getting the goods from Italy, but next week the season starts in Seeland. The season only lasts for two months -March and April- and then it's over already."
In addition to the fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and baked goods, the company also offers convenience items that are made in-house.
For more information:
Romeo Ceroni
etter & berno AG
Dorfstrasse 53, CH-3216 Ried/Kerzers
Tel. +41 31 750 55 22
info@etter-berno.ch
www.etter-berno.ch