The cultivation of raspberries for processing into jam or syrup, for example, is rare in Switzerland. Mostly, the industry sources its berries from Poland, Serbia, Croatia or even China. This is about to change: since this year, Holderhof Produkte AG has been cultivating autumn raspberries on a total of two hectares at three locations in eastern Switzerland. For the time being, various cultivation methods are being tested at different locations in order to find out the optimal production process. So far, there is hardly any experience in Switzerland because mainly table raspberries are grown here for direct consumption. A row of industrial raspberries, for example, grows somewhat higher on the Holderhof farm in Ufhofen than ridge crops as known from asparagus. Most of the raspberries, however, were planted in the level ground in May as a so-called flat crop. “This first set is first about gaining experience,” explains Peter Lenggenhager, who organises contract cultivation at Holderhof. This also concerns questions of plant protection as well as harvesting.
Natalia stands by
Because the cuttings could only be planted in May for logistical reasons – instead of the usual autumn of the previous year – the first fruits will probably not be harvested until September, which is rather late. While hand harvesting is common for the table raspberries for direct consumption, the full harvester “Natalia” is used for the berries for processing. The machine arrived in Switzerland from Poland a few weeks ago and is ready and waiting. Between eight and ten hectares of cultivated land are needed so that “Natalia” is well utilised. This is one of the reasons why the company is now looking for additional farmers who want to get involved in the cultivation of industrial raspberries. “We offer innovative farmers an exciting and lucrative alternative to the usual crops,” explains Lenggenhager. Close and direct cooperation with the farmers is one of the basic principles of Holderhof Produkte AG, which has proven its worth over the years. The freshly harvested raspberries are processed into concentrate in the new Holderhof fruit processing centre in Sulgen, which is used as a basic ingredient for the company’s own beverage production, for example in syrups or smoothies.
Replacing imported raspberries
“Holderhof’s idea is to replace as much as possible of the previously common imports with Swiss raspberries,” says Peter Lenggenhager, setting out the course of action. Market studies have shown that the sales potential for processed raspberries from Switzerland is large enough, especially for processing raspberries in organic quality. With efficient production, logistics and processing, Switzerland can compete with other countries, says Lenggenhager. This is one of the reasons why, in the first phase, the aim is to find varieties that are as robust as possible and allow efficient harvesting with machines. Autumn raspberries are the obvious choice because they are easier to care for. For example, in autumn – in contrast to summer raspberries – the entire bushes can be cut down completely by machine.
Peter Lenggenhager talking to potential new growers.
In autumn, the full harvester “Natalia” will be used for the first time.
In May, the first raspberry perennials were planted.