SWISSCOFEL, the Swiss Fruit, Vegetable and Potato Trade Association, celebrated its 25th anniversary on Friday, May 9, at its 25th General Assembly. Several elections were held due to personnel changes on the board. To mark the anniversary, this year's General Assembly was held on a Friday as an exception and offered participants a festive gala dinner. Due to the evening program, the plenary meeting of the product groups was held in writing in advance.
Christian Bertholet is the new President of the umbrella organization
An eventful year
In the presence of numerous association members, guests, former presidents, board members, and employees, Vice President Christian Bertholet looked back on the past five years. Director Christian Sohm then highlighted current opportunities and challenges. The vegetable phase update, sustainability issues, participation in consultations, and the upcoming board elections shaped the past year.
Considering the 2030+ agricultural policy, the 2050 climate strategy, increasing price pressure, and legal requirements and guidelines from the EU that are likely to become relevant in Switzerland in the medium term, the association must continue to actively promote optimal conditions for market participants in the future.
Personnel changes at the top of the association
President Martin Farner has been at the helm of SWISSCOFEL since 2019, shaping its strategic direction and representing the entire industry in the political arena. For health reasons, he has decided to step down from his role. The meeting confirmed the previous Vice President, Christian Bertholet, as the new President of SWISSCOFEL. He has been working in the industry for more than 30 years and therefore brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.
The second vice president, Stefan Geiger, also stepped down from his position but will remain on the board as a regular member. Renato Häfliger (sapore fresco ag) and Andreas Allenspach will serve as the new vice presidents. Hans Graf-Schleiss (Feldhof Gemüse AG), Alban Jaquenoud (Jaquenoud Fruits et Légumes SA), and National Council member Beat Walti also stepped down from the board. Patrick Forster (Forster Gruppe AG), Michel Nick (Inoverde), and Xavier Patry (Union Maraîchère de Genève) were newly elected to the board.
Varied supporting program
The presentation by Hanni Rützler rounded off the meeting. She is a nutrition expert and one of Europe's leading food trend researchers. She gave the audience a glimpse into the culinary future, highlighted current developments in food culture, and showed how social, ecological, and technological changes are shaping our eating habits and which trends are having a lasting impact.
The gala dinner and artistic performance by two-time yo-yo world champions, Duo in Motion, brought a successful day to a close.
For more information:
www.swisscofel.ch