The Viennese wholesale vegetable market is currently dominated by leafy vegetables from Italian soil. Among other things, colourful lettuces, oak leaf and frisée are handled daily in large volumes at Austria's most important trading hub. Despite the heavy rainfall in the cultivation areas there, the consequences of the weather extremes in autumn are manageable for the time being, says Viennese retailer Kurt Burkhart, who in addition to the wholesale marke
t stall also has a company headquarters in the Lower Austrian Berg municipality.
Right: Company owner Kurt Burkhart
The Italian leafy vegetables are mainly loaded at the Verona wholesale market in northern Italy and are then transported to the large green market in Vienna. Burkhard outlines the course of the season: "Normally, from the end of October to the beginning of November - as soon as the domestic campaign draws to a close - one switches to imported goods. "We are currently seeing increasing demand, especially for the popular colourful lettuces Lolo Bionda and Lolo Rosso. "In general, the specialist retailer has observed an increasing demand for fine imported vegetables from Italy in recent years, especially within the upscale gastronomy sector.
Fresh Frisée from Italy.
Slight quality loss at Frisée
The product selection is complemented by oak leaf and the fine frisée: Burkhart believes that it is precisely this latter, quite sensitive lettuce variety that has been slightly affected by the autumnal rainfall. "Although the Italian producers usually let the Frisée grow under film, the weather has nevertheless led to a slight loss in quality. In the course of this, the current price situation is somewhat tense and we are at a wholesale level of 10-12 euros per box. But I assume that these price ratios will remain stable until Christmas."
Colourful cauliflower is also purchased from the Verona wholesale market and delivered to regional gastronomers.
Organic range: development area for the near future
In addition to the seasonal climbing goods, the committed retailer has been marketing high-quality fresh products from organic farming for more than 10 years, wherever possible from regional producers. "Organic tomatoes are the best sellers throughout the year, especially during the domestic season. Our current organic share amounts to around 10 percent and we are endeavouring to further develop the range."
The vehicle park of the Lower Austrian company.
For more information:
Kurt Burkhart
Biohof Burkhart
Laxenburgerstraße 365
1230 Wien
Stand C4-42
T: +43 664 3023 138
E-Mail: office@biohof-burkhart.at
Web: www.biohof-burkhart.at