The Eschbach family's modern greenhouse operation just outside Basel produces colorful microgreens in numerous varieties throughout the year. "In summer and now during the fall vacations, demand is traditionally a bit more subdued. Otherwise, demand is quite stable twelve months a year, with a classic peak during the Christmas season," describes Margret Eschbach, who runs the company together with her husband Andreas.
On the right:
The gardening couple Eschbach
Since 2016, the couple has been dedicated to growing micro leaves, edible flowers as well as mini-vegetables. At the world's leading trade fair, Fruit Logistica, they came across the Israeli company 2BFresh, after which a joint venture was established. "We were already producing garden cress, so we had some know-how. We then started with a very broad portfolio, which we have now narrowed down to about 25 items. The top sellers include peas, coriander, basil, amaranth, sorrel, and the mix. New to our assortment is Mini-Pak Choi, as well as edible flowers, which we are gradually expanding."
The Eschbach family's microgreens are marketed throughout Switzerland. They cooperate with the Zurich-based catering wholesaler Marinello and the German company Keltenhof, among others.
Pandemic and price adjustment
The company looks back on some difficult years. "During the pandemic, the catering industry was closed virtually overnight, which in turn severely affected our business. If we had not supplied the major distributors, it would have been difficult. All in all, it was an extremely nervous time for us and many colleagues. In the meantime, the Swiss-wide catering industry has recovered quite well and is almost back to pre-Covid levels."
View of the greenhouse operation just outside Basel.
Even in Switzerland, however, production costs have risen extremely in some cases, Eschbach continues. "Energy costs are exploding in some cases, and material and labor costs also require a price adjustment. There was a first price increase last fall, and a next price adjustment is currently being negotiated." Meanwhile, he said, sales have remained relatively stable. "We are already observing a certain reluctance to buy. On the other hand, since the pandemic, many consumers are also willing to spend more money on good products, which plays into our hands, especially in the premium segment."
Edible flowers are also now trending.
Future-proof product
Accordingly, she is confident about the future. "We have a viable product for the future, which has established itself very well in both the retail and restaurant sectors. Gastronomes are still looking for something exclusive and unusual, and with our product, we will be able to meet this demand in the future. The same applies to the retail trade: last summer, for the first time, we were able to place a mix of edible flowers with wholesalers. In this respect, we are growing together with the market."
Images: 2Bfresh Eschbach AG
For more information:
Andreas & Margret Eschbach
2Bfresh Eschbach AG
Im Leimen 24
CH – 4414 Füllinsdorf
Tel.: + 41 61 901 31 31
[email protected]
www.2bfresh.ch