Case studies in Switzerland
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Biofruits
Biofruits is a small and medium-sized enterprise that is involved in production and commercialization of organic fruits and vegetables, fresh and processed. Fruits, vegetables (e.g. apples, pears, apricots, prunes, strawberry, white and green asparagus), aromatic plants, dried fruits, juices, jams, vinegars are the core of the firm activity. To guarantee a fair price/quality ratio in agreement with the producers, customers and partners is essential. The firm promotes innovation, while fostering production in line with the environment.
In 2004, four producers decided to found Biofruits in order to join forces and create a modern tool for organic farming in Valais. Biofruits produces on 170 hectares more than 34 different varieties of organic apples and pears.
The firm opened in 2005 a shop for direct sale. Fruits and vegetables are completed by other products, organic or regional, to highlight the agricultural resources of the soil of Valais. In 2011, in order to promote fruits that do not fit the aesthetic standards of the distribution, Biofruits founded the press, dedicated to the creation of juices and nectars. By also offering a custom work service, local producers can also benefit from the creation of their own drinks.
For more information, please visit https://www.biofruits.ch/
Chèvrement bon
Chèvrement bon is a familiarly owned small enterprise, with four different activities:
- Goat farming
About a hundred chamois dairy goats are raised. Each year these goats give birth to about 120 kids. Each goat produces an average of 1000 liters of milk.
- Cheese making
Lactic type cheeses are mainly processed and come in many forms: Fresh, refined, great blue of Besson and the flowery tome.
- Pig farming
Woolly pork is produced since 2010 in the farm. It is a breed adapted to an extensive production mode. They grow steadily and relatively slowly, giving their flesh a special quality with high water retention and relatively low intramuscular fat.
- Green energy
In 2008, the roofs of the firms are covered with photovoltaic panels. The production of hot water is possible thanks to solar heating and a wood boiler, to ensure the independence at an energy level.
In 1981, the family began with a herd of 35 goats. In 1987, with the increase in market opportunities the herd has expanded and has currently 100 dairy goats. In 2010, one of the sons joined the farm to become the manager of the cheese factory. In 2013, a new cheese factory with a shop for the sale of farm products was built. In the shop, a whole range of goat cheeses (i.e. fresh, dung, flavored, finely chopped or ashy, ricotta, tomme, beaten white), delicatessen of the animals, roast terrine, sausage, ham, bacon and dried meat are proposed to the consumers.
Responding to customer demand by offering quality products and bringing innovation and a complete range of cheese (e.g. direct sales or market with 15 different cheeses based on 2 different processing techniques) are essential targets of the farm.
A website and social media are used to communicate about different news and events the SME is participating in or developing. Some events are organized by the firm like visits of the farm to see goats, pigs and chickens, small market on the farm that bring local producers of different products (e.g. meat, bread).
For more information, please visit http://www.fromagebesson.ch/