Microgreens grower sets up shop in Switzerland

Andreas and Margret Eschbach

About a year ago, 2BFresh started a joint venture in Switzerland. “We started there in March 2016,” Andreas Eschbach says. “We have greenhouses, a packing station and a cold store in Switzerland, all the necessary installations to produce micro-leaves. All of our seeds come from Europe, and about half of the other material is Swiss and half is Israeli.”


Opening of 2BFresh facility in Switzerland 21st of February

Joint venture
The company is originally from Israel. The joint venture between Andreas Eschbach, Uzi Teshuva and Avner Shohet was started out of friendship, in the first place. “We discovered that we got along very well, and we wanted to work together, which is why we started this partnership. We actually met three years ago, at the Fruit Logistica,” Andreas explains. “We started the joint venture in Switzerland because we wanted to be in close proximity to the market. We noticed demand for our product is increasing, and we needed more space for our production. In Israel, most of our greenhouses are now meant for micro-leaves.”


Tour through the facility

“So, we wanted to expand our production capacity, and to be closer to the market. We found farmers who we were comfortable with, and who are good at their job, which was one of the conditions we had,” Andreas explains. “In the Netherlands, you have Koppert Cress, which is why we went for Switzerland, cress is one of our main products,” Avner says. “We developed the production system 10 years ago, and it is different to Koppert Cress’s products. Our product has a lower price per net produce, and we do not use any artificial lighting, we believe in nature.”


Reception

Sustainable
“The way we sell our product is more sustainable. Clients buy boxes without substrate, so one advantage is that the net product is cheaper. We also produce less waste with our boxes, the packages are small, and everything in it can be used. Thirdly, because it is so small, it is advantageous as regards to logistics,” Andreas explains. “The supply chain from Switzerland is shorter as well, meaning our service has improved.” The company currently mostly sells in Switzerland, although it can also supply other European countries.


Photos on the left made by: Maria Gambino

New products
“We have some new products as well, lamb’s lettuce as a micro-green, which has never been seen before,” Avner says. “We showed it to various chefs, and their responses were very enthusiastic, they cannot wait to start using it.” This product will be particularly good for the food service industry, as it can be taken from its packaging, and it can be immediately used. “Another new product we have, is an Asian product, shungiku. This product has a very special flavour, and belongs to the same family as chrysanthemums.”


Photo of the old days

For more information:
Andreas or Margret Eschbach
2BFresh
micro@2bfresh.ch
www.2bfresh.ch