In the assortment of the regional fresh produce supplier, the first autumn colors are already noticeable. Blue pumpkins and yellow leeks from local fields are currently already on offer. And there are many other specialties that are marketed under the 'Bärnbiet' label, like the red pulped melon radish. ''Bärnbiet is a label under which only products from the Bernese area are marketed. Last year, we got off to a good start with them and we are noticing that the product line already has a good recognition value. Customers clearly value regional produce, and as a result we are considering promoting and expanding the line further in the near future,'' Steiner said.
Great need for regional cabbage and root vegetables
Apart from the aforementioned specialties, Brussels sprouts are currently selling very well. These arrived from Dutch growers until a few weeks ago, but now there are also shipments from the Bernese Seeland. ''Brussels sprouts from regional cultivation are expected to be available in the next few months. Currently it is still too warm, but we expect sales to pick up within a few weeks. In contrast to broccoli and cauliflower -where we had to supplement the regional offers partly with imported goods from the Netherlands- I do not expect big problems here,'' Steiner said about the upcoming winter season.
In general, the wholesaler is seeing significant growth in root and cabbage specialties such as parsnips, parsley root and quills. Steiner: "In my opinion it is really extraordinary how this category of products is gaining in importance. We are selling more of these varieties every year. We also see the same with pumpkin varieties: In the meantime, we have also found producers in the Seeland who grow nutmeg squashes for us.''
'Hospitality customers'
Küng + Steiner AG is a regional wholesaler based in Niederwangen. The company primarily supplies regional wholesale customers and bulk consumers with fruit and vegetables, convenience foods, frozen foods and dairy products. The 'Bärnbiet' products mostly end up in the catering trade, ranging from simple rest stops to top restaurateurs. In addition to this, a substantial portion of the products is being marketed to the hotel industry and so-called hospitality customers like hospitals and nursing homes. In addition to the Bärnbiet product line, the wholesaler also sells fruit and vegetable varieties of the Pro Specie Rara line, some grown on local fields as well.
