The Tobi Seeobst AG fruit group is reacting to the increasing demand for Swiss berries. These are quite popular, playing an increasingly important role in a balanced diet. And since blueberries are also increasingly being grown and processed domestically, Tobi believes the time has come for an extension and the technical renewal of the packing lines. But there is another reason.
The extension building in Egnach with its modernised equipment should be ready for use in time for the start of the berry season 2021. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries and an increasing number of blueberries will be processed on 11,400 m2 (instead of 7,200 m2). Delivered in loose packages of 4 to 5 kg, they are gently cleaned at Tobi Seeobst AG and packed in trays of 250 or 500 grams - in cardboard or plastic trays, with or without lid, labelled on top or on the side or banded.
Impression of the new hall for soft fruit in Egnach / Picture: Tobi Seeobst AG
Domestic production increases
The orders that are coming in are, in their own way very distinct. Flexible machinery is essential to meet the tight delivery deadlines. In addition to the constant, high demand for Swiss berries, blueberries have been increasingly produced domestically for some years now and they are therefore being processed on Tobi Seeobst AG equipment as well. This places new demands on the existing processing capacities.
Soft fruits, cultivated in Switzerland / Picture: Tobi Seeobst AG
Popular Swiss berries
Blueberries and raspberries are freshly bought by consumers all year round. These consumers will be even more pleased in future when they will find tasty local berries on the shelves again from April onwards. Swiss berries are available wholesale fresh from being harvested until mid-November. Processing them gently and on time is the top priority. But besides this, there is another important aspect.
Creating future-proof capacities
Tobi Seeobst AG is expanding its packing capacities not only because of the increasing domestic production and the gratifyingly high demand for berries: Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic in packaging. A growing number of consumers are demanding less packaging, and if present, these should preferably be free of plastics as much as possible. Nevertheless, the delicious product should remain as well protected as possible.
With the extension, Tobi is creating sufficient space - not only to ensure that the high level of adherence to deadlines in day-to-day business is maintained, but also to be able to try out new packaging materials and processes or to be able to react promptly to any new regulations. CHF 8 million will be invested in this gain in flexibility.
Schedule for the extension in Egnach
- Spring 2020: Start of construction
- Summer 2020: Extension building
- Winter 2020/2021: Relocation and renewal of the installations
- Spring 2021: Commissioning of machinery at berry season start
For more information: www.tobi-fruechte.de