In recent years, interest in regional products has surged significantly. An increasing number of consumers are prioritizing sustainability, freshness, and supporting local producers. This trend is also reflected in the gastronomy and community catering sectors. Consequently, the canteens of the Leipzig Student Services have decided to expand their menu to include the "Regio Plate." This dish is available every first Thursday of the month and is distinguished by its main ingredients being sourced exclusively from regional producers in the greater Leipzig area. The initiative aims to support local businesses and put sustainability in the spotlight. Moreover, it seeks to increase the proportion of fresh, regional ingredients.
At the in-house production facility, the regional vegetables are cleaned and cut into the desired shapes – cubes, strips, sticks, slices, and much more.
The production and logistics of the required vegetable products are handled by the renowned cutting plant KÖHRA-Frische Ltd. "As a link between the regional suppliers and the canteens of the Leipzig Student Services, we play a significant role in this process. We take care of the communication, the collection of fresh products directly from the regional suppliers, and ensure that even small quantities and mixed pallets of goods are available. Additionally, we offer the products in various shapes and sizes, allowing the canteen chefs to directly use kitchen-ready ingredients, whether diced, cut, sliced, or as sticks. This enables the respective kitchen teams to effortlessly create fresh and regional dishes that are very popular among the students," says the company, based in Köhra.
In June 2024, the 'Regio Plate' officially launched with a millet tabbouleh with asparagus, tomatoes & rhubarb chutney.
Impeccable quality despite staff shortages
With this initiative, KÖHRA-Frische Ltd also aims to proactively counter the increasing shortage of skilled workers in the gastronomy and community catering sectors. "Staff shortages are known to be a significant and growing problem in the gastronomy industry. As a fresh-cut manufacturer, we want to respond by helping kitchens offer high-quality dishes despite the shortage of staff. Our logistical performance and the provision of kitchen-ready products relieve the kitchens and allow them to focus on the essentials: preparing delicious and healthy meals."
Among the suppliers of the main ingredients are, among others, the vegetable farms Maria Bienert (left) from Taucha and Gartenbau Fischer from Großweitzschen.
Rising demand for kitchen-ready ingredients
For more than 30 years, KÖHRA-Frische has been dedicated not only to trading fruits and vegetables, but also to producing top-quality ready-cut products in its own production facility. However, the company's range of offerings extends far beyond these two areas. "As specialists in fresh food, we offer our customers a wide range of delicacies, dairy products, sausages, and much more. In principle, we offer everything needed for the preparation of a tasty dish. We notice that the demand for fresh-cut products is continuously increasing, as more and more kitchens recognize the benefits of kitchen-ready ingredients. Furthermore, it is important to us not only to be a reliable partner for the gastronomy but also for regional producers. Our collaboration with the Leipzig Student Services demonstrates how successful such cooperations can be. We look forward to continuing to promote regional products and support the gastronomy in the future," concludes Ms. Sandra Eckelmann (Commercial Operations Manager).
Images: KÖHRA – Frische GmbH
For more information:
Sandra Eckelmann
Commercial Operations Manager
KÖHRA – Frische GmbH
Leipziger Straße 32
04683 Köhra
Phone: +49 34293 533-26
Fax: +49 34293 533-38
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.koehra.de