Austrian vegetable corporation LGV Frischgemüse had to put up with a lot in the last year; cold, storms and then extreme heat in the summer, which didn't make it easy for vegetable growers! Then, as if the weather conditions weren't enough to deal with, Austrian vegetable growers were put under pressure from lower wages abroad.
To be able to grow in this market situation, LGV-Frischgemüse has now developed its own range of ready to eat products or so named convenience food. LGV is now preparing, along with production organisation Marchfield, ready to eat salads at their production hall in Raasdorf, Austria. "We are able to prepare the specialised products here," said LGV director Gerald König.
The company has invested 1.5 million Euros in the hall, but the building was not the biggest expense. The washing and cutting machines alone cost one million Euro and a new drying machine is to follow. "We are producing an industrial product," said König. This has the advantage on saving on the largest operating factor: staff. The hall engages 30 staff to cut vegetables. In total the cooperative will offer work to around 60 employees and in the summer there will still be 100 seasonal workers. If vegetable growers are included the total will be about 2000 workers.