In the Zurich area, high-quality fresh products for regional gastronomers are normally handled all year round, processed where necessary and then traded on the local wholesale market. Dozens of regional producers, traders and manufacturers make their living from the business of supplying the catering trade, including Miroljub Nojic, founder and managing director of the two production companies Sosu LLC and Miro Küchenfertiges LLC.
At this time of year, the two production sites at Engrosmarkt Zurich (Miro) and in nearby Schlieren (Sosu) normally process huge quantities of fruit and vegetable products. "Under the name Sosu LLC or Knoblauchzentrale Zürich, we deliver peeled and unpeeled garlic to regional restaurateurs. As a result of crisis-related measures, as well as the closure of the gastronomy, we currently only achieve 10 percent of normal sales," says the company owner.
View of the Schlieren production site
The last delivery of Chinese garlic was made to Mr Nojic on 10 March. "These stocks are still not sold out," he explains. A similar situation exists at Miro LLC, the second branch of Nojic's company. "On behalf of the local gastronomy as well as the gastronomic wholesaler Marinello, located at the Engrosmarkt, we produce prepared and pre-cut, ready-to-cook products like smoothies, fruit salads and much more. This trade has largely come to a standstill as well, due to the loss of the catering trade. We have considered an alternative form of marketing, such as supplying private households or local supermarkets, but this would not be possible overnight due to the limited volumes."
Miroljob Nojic operates two companies in the greater Zurich area: Miro LLC opened its doors at the beginning of the 2000s and in 2007 the pre-existing Sosu LLC was acquired.
Threatening situation
Should the Corona-crisis last too long, it could also become a problem for the regionally active fruit processor. According to the latest news, Swiss gastronomers will gradually start opening their doors in the course of June. Nojic is hoping to maintain his business until then and he remains optimistic. "If necessary, we hope to find a solution with our regular partner Marinello."
For more information:
Miro Küchenfertige Produkte GmbH
Sosu GmbH - Knoblauchzentrale
Miroljob Nojic
Zürcherstrasse 113
8952 Schlieren
Tel: 044 400 09 56
Fax: 044 400 09 57
E-Mail: info@kuechenfertig.ch
www.kuechenfertig.ch
www.sosu.ch/