Compared to the flourishing freshcut scene in other European countries, this market segment is lagging behind in Austria. Nevertheless, ready-to-cook fruit and vegetable products are also finding their way to consumers in Austria with increasing frequency. Especially with farm-gate sales, the processing of growers' own products is noticeably gaining in importance, observes Franz Führer, who as an independent trade broker provides advice and support to both newcomers and large-scale operations.
As the exclusive licensee, Führer has represented three well-known mechanical engineering companies on the domestic market since 2012 - Kronen Ltd, Boss Vakuum and Feuma. "The convenience sector is rather modest in Austria. Due to Corona and the lockdowns business has become a bit more arduous once again." Nevertheless, Führer said he was quite pleased with the emergence of new projects and the accompanying further development of the sector during the crisis. "Whether in Upper and Lower Austria, Burgenland, Tyrol or Styria, there is a need for appropriate machinery equipment in all major growing regions of Austria, even during the pandemic."
Processing of own products
Since the beginning of the crisis, farm-gate sales in particular have experienced a big boom, Führer says. "People are increasingly opting to further process their own products into fruit chips or cubes, for example, in order to achieve added value. It is my job to provide appropriate support for these lateral or new entrants with smaller machines - such as the Feuma HU1020/1030. Surprisingly, these new inquiries tend to be less about processing quite normal apples or potatoes and more about unusual fresh products, such as locally grown garlic."
Franz Führer is celebrating the tenth anniversary of his trading agency this year.
Increased appreciation for regional foods
Führer draws a mixed interim balance regarding the Corona crisis. "On the one hand, on-site appointments could only take place to a limited extent due to restrictions and 2G, but on the other hand, there has been more appreciation for regional foods and direct marketers - a trend that I believe will continue after the crisis. The crisis has resulted in a change in consumer thinking, which is why people are now buying regional goods more than ever before."
According to the owner, Handelsagentur Führer will remain a one-man business in the coming years. "My flexibility still sets me apart. Prompt maintenance and appropriate advice is extremely important, certainly for smaller and medium-sized businesses who do not have in-house technicians. Otherwise, I don't believe in any sophisticated strategies; I just take it as it comes."
For more information:
Franz Führer
Handelsagentur Führer
Linzer Straße 23a
3004 Ried am Riederberg
Tel:+43 (0) 699 / 195 637 42
E-Mail: office@handelsagentur-fuehrer.at
Internet: www.handelsagentur-fuehrer.at