Despite inflation increases and the energy crisis, stability and continuity characterize the fruit and vegetable trade in the canton of Bern. "We can't complain at the moment," reports Fabio Steiner, gastro wholesaler and managing director of Küng + Steiner AG, based in Niederwangen, southwest of the Swiss capital. "On 01.01.23, in addition to inflation, energy prices (electricity, gas, etc.) were also adjusted, which in turn will sooner or later have an even greater impact on purchasing power and thus demand. The mood in the regional gastronomy is also noticeably clouded. Many restaurateurs, especially older ones, are slowly but surely getting fed up with the multiple crises, aggravated by the lack of personnel, which has been noticeable for several years."
The company Küng + Steiner AG has been dedicated to supplying caterers and bulk consumers in the canton of Bern for 40 years now and is now run by the second generation. Over the years, the wholesale company has established itself as a full-range supplier, which is why customers now have access to a diverse assortment consisting of fruit and vegetables, ready-to-cook products, but also dairy, juices and beverages, and specialty foods. "The extremely difficult procurement situation for imported goods is currently causing us problems. Italian vegetables, for example, are currently in very short supply and are accordingly being traded at high prices. The same applies to soft fruits from Spain and Portugal. There have not yet been any serious bottlenecks, but we are noticing that it is becoming more challenging to procure the goods in the desired qualities and quantities, which in turn is having a negative impact on the ability to plan business."
Fabio Steiner is managing director of Küng + Steiner AG and is now the second generation to run the company.
Niche crops are gaining in importance
A significant portion of the fresh produce assortment is sourced from Swiss cultivation, preferably from the surrounding canton of Bern, Steiner continues. "Our regional brand Bärnbiet has also been able to maintain its position during the pandemic, meaning that demand for regional products has remained largely stable. We are finding that regionally produced niche crops in particular, whether root vegetables or pome fruits such as Topaz and the old apple variety Sauergrauech are well received among consumers. From a marketing perspective, asparagus, especially green asparagus, is becoming increasingly attractive due to high margins. In view of climate change and the associated weather capriciousness, regional cultivation of many products tends to become more difficult. So we hope our growers are spared weather extremes this year."
Loss of continuity
Steiner is cautiously optimistic about the near future: "The challenges mentioned above are making it increasingly difficult to procure fruit and vegetables in the desired qualities. The certain continuity that has always existed in our industry is now unfortunately missing. In my view, this will continue to be the case in the coming years."
Further information:
Fabio Steiner
Küng + Steiner AG
Meriedweg 7
CH-3172 Niederwangen
Tel 031 371 69 45
Fax 031 371 41 79
info@kuengundsteiner.ch
www.kuengundsteiner.ch