Niederwil AG – Holderhof Produkte AG plans to grow and process local juice raspberries for its beverage products. The Aargau-based company wants to replace imported raspberries for syrup production with sustainable cultivation and show more Swissness.
Holderhof Produkte AG wants to grow its own raspberries sustainably in the future instead of importing them. So far, most of the fruit for the production of raspberry syrup, which is popular in this country, is purchased from abroad. That’s why the company is launching a project to promote the cultivation of domestic processing raspberries, according to a media release.
So far, however, there is still a lack of experience with it. Most domestic berry farms produce mainly table raspberries for fresh consumption. With the new product, the company is only at the beginning, Peter Lenggenhager, who is responsible for contract farming at Holderhof, is quoted as saying: “The cultivation of processing raspberries looks completely different from that of table raspberries.”
Holderhof Produkte AG therefore cooperates with the Research Institute for Organic Agriculture. In joint variety trials, the regionally suitable raspberries are to be found.
So far, the pilot project is carried out on an area of six hectares. However, an area of at least 40 to 60 hectares is needed for import substitution and industrial cultivation. Holderhof Produkte AG would therefore like to cooperate with interested fruit growers. This year, she offers them the planting material and advises on plant care. In addition, the company organizes the harvest and guarantees the purchase of the fruit. ww
