The food industry is currently being shaken up by the corona virus and is also putting producers, packing stations and sales at Lake Constance to the test. The fruit from Bodensee Vertriebsgesellschaft (OvB) is working intensively to maintain the supply of goods in the best possible way. Untouched by the crisis, nature shines in new splendour and the warming spring sunshine attracts the first buds to the trees.
After the situation at OvB came to a head in mid-March due to the corona virus, it was not foreseeable to what extent the food retail trade could continue to be supplied with goods. As a result of the measures taken, the situation has now stabilised and production is now in relatively normal business operations with strict adherence to hygiene and distance requirements. OvB was and is aware of its responsibility towards food retail customers and end users and was able to meet the vast majority of the deliveries ordered. The high demand from the population for domestic products is a very positive factor for sales.
Thanks from trade and society
OvB Managing Director Johannes von Eerde comments: "I am proud of how well my team held together and did everything in its power to fulfil the wishes of the customers in the best possible way. Coping with the increased order volume at a time when we have lost personnel throughout the supply chain was and is a great challenge. My thanks go to the entire sales team and to the employees in the packing houses and logistics companies. I would also like to thank retailers for their understanding in this situation. I firmly believe that together we can overcome this crisis". Markus Schraff from the OVB sales team also says: "The many letters with encouragement and appreciation from the trade and consumers are very much appreciated by the staff. Domestic production is very valuable in times like these. Working to help ensure the supply of the population makes us proud to work in the food industry".
On the road to ensure production
And while many end consumers currently have to stay at home, producers cannot. Because in order to ensure the long-term supply of fruit to the population, a great deal of care work is currently being carried out on the crops. But in addition to the current epidemiological and political problems, nature is also keeping the producers on Lake Constance on their toes. Night frosts threaten to damage the budding buds. The further development of the flowering has yet to be seen. However, according to the current state of preliminary knowledge, it does not look as if major crop failures or quality losses are to be expected.
Numerous new tree plantings have also taken place. Despite the difficult times in fruit growing, work is constantly being done on the assortment at Lake Constance in order to be able to offer consumers an extensive and tasty range of fruit in the future. Due to the special historical development of fruit growing at Lake Constance, the cultivation is largely carried out by medium-sized, professional family businesses. This is now proving to be a small ray of hope: If there is a lack of seasonal workers and the distance has to be kept, the whole family helps planting trees. Times of crisis simply bring people together.
For more information:
www.obst-vom-bodensee.de