The citrus fruit Kawachi Bankan has been cultivated in Japan, primarily in Ehime Prefecture, for over 100 years, although it is still unknown in Europe, Tiziano Marinello, co-managing director of Marinello & Co AG tells us.
"We received the first samples just under a year ago and were instantly excited by the acidity and essential oils contained in the fruit. Until now, we only included the fruit in our range in the form of juices. From Saturday, however, the first fruits will arrive in larger quantities. The marketing period for the fresh product should be between the end of April and around June. The fruit can probably be frozen well, so it should also have a relatively long shelf life," Marinello says.
The three co-managing directors (from left to right): Christian Körting, Tiziano Marinello and Max Marinello. Photo: Marinello & Co AG
So far exclusively for Swiss customers
"We want to sell the product exclusively to our gastro customers. In principle, however, any customer who stops by our wholesale market can also get the product. However, it is definitely Marine's goal to bring Misho to the retail market as well." Because of its high price, the fruit is marketed in 1 kg units.
Right: photo of a misho producer.
20 francs per kilo
"We decided to buy it by air, even though the price level is quite high. However, it is also possible to buy them as ship goods. For the goods from the first air transport, the selling price is over 20 francs per kilo. We expect to be able to sell larger volumes as well." There has been noticeable interest from chocolatiers and patisseries, although Marinello has so far only supplied this customer base with the juices. His goal, he says, is for as many gastronomies as possible to learn about the fruit.
Increasing demand due to terrace weather
Gradually, he said, the first outdoor lettuces, tomatoes and other vegetable crops are also starting in Switzerland. "It's been a little too cold in recent weeks, so we haven't kept up with asparagus production either. As soon as it gets warmer, however, the level should also return to normal. But prices are generally at the upper limit." Furthermore, Marinello spoke about the price pressure that imported products are putting on the market.
"Demand increases as soon as patio weather begins. However, we are not yet in the terrace season. Apart from that, many people in Switzerland tended to stay at home in 2022. After all, one could vacation well without restrictions in Switzerland. This year, however, people are again more drawn abroad, so Zurich is comparatively empty."
In addition, Switzerland is also talking intensively about how to deal with the water supply in the future. "Goods from greenhouse production play an important role in the early phase. The future is trending toward closed cycles, which is why you have to rely on both outdoor and greenhouse production in equal measure."
Photos by Marinello & Co. AG
Further information:
Tiziano Marinello
Marinello & Co AG
Aargauerstrasse 1a
8048 Zürich
T: +41 43 44 44 500
E-Mail: [email protected]
Webseite: https://www.marinello.ch