The first products from local cultivation have already been brought to market, but it will be in three weeks that things will really get started with tomatoes from heated soil. “We are constantly engaged in variety trials. That is, here in Switzerland we are testing the varieties that we have already grown successfully in Spain. Monterosa is an example of this: but this mixture of meat tomato and Coeur de Boeuf is not so easy to cultivate. In winter, it worked very well in Spain and that's why we planted the Monterosa in our local greenhouses,” says Keller.
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Another variety we might also encounter in the future, domestically produced, is the Adora. This flavourful meat tomato is currently only grown in Spain, where it gets very positive feedback. The same applies to the so-called Ramiro pepper, a red-coloured variety that is offered all year round. Keller: "This variety is planted here, locally, but production is relatively expensive. Especially in the summer there are, among others, Dutch products, which are sold at very reasonable prices. We can not offer our premium goods for the same prices and in contrast to other products, there are no tariffs on peppers.”
Another variety we might also encounter in the future, domestically produced, is the Adora. This flavourful meat tomato is currently only grown in Spain, where it gets very positive feedback. The same applies to the so-called Ramiro pepper, a red-coloured variety that is offered all year round. Keller: "This variety is planted here, locally, but production is relatively expensive. Especially in the summer there are, among others, Dutch products, which are sold at very reasonable prices. We can not offer our premium goods for the same prices and in contrast to other products, there are no tariffs on peppers.”
Demand from neighbouring countries is low as well, because of the relatively high prices. However, consumers within German-speaking Switzerland are currently largely familiar with the high-quality products from their own soil. “Snack cucumbers are currently very popular among our customers, as well as the unique finger aubergines. The eggplant variety is now also available on the market twelve months a year. We usually produce in Switzerland from May to the beginning of October.”
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Adèle Royal is a premium brand launched by EO Keller AG in 2011 and was named after the owner's mother. The range now includes cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, aubergines and apricots. Domestic production takes place at two locations with a total cultivated area of about 20,000 m2. The exclusive marketer EO Keller AG negotiates sales to supermarkets (Coop & Migros) and gastronomers as well as sales of loose goods to weekly market traders. The organic portion of the total supply is growing steadily and currently comprises about 10 percent of total production.
For more information:
EO Keller AG
Christian B. Keller
Engros-Markthalle
Aargauerstrasse 1a
8048 Zürich, Schweiz
Fon: Tel. +41 44 406 87 77