Blog
The first fully electric Fendt standard tractor is now in operation in the herb fields at Holderhof. In addition, electric lorries will transport Holderhof beverages in future. These are two more pieces of the puzzle on the path to greater sustainability as an important part of the company’s strategy.
The autonomous weeding robot «Grasshopper» treats weeds with laser beams. Holderhof has signed a trial agreement with Swiss start-up Caterra for use in organic herb cultivation. First, photos are taken to feed the software. Initial tests with the laser in the herb field will follow in autumn.
The iced tea and spritzers served in the Kronberg valley and mountain restaurant come from Holderhof. They are sold there as a private label with their own label as part of the company branding. Kronberg AG is committed to regional products.
Elderberry is currently in bloom in Ufhofen. It is the ideal moment to look back on the history of Holderhof. When the company founder planted his first elderberry bushes, he probably had no idea that 30 years later he would be employing over a hundred people.
Thanks to an additional juice press, the Holderhof can process 40 percent more apples in autumn than before. The investment is a response to the growing demand for pure juice. Thanks to other newly launched products made from regional raw materials, the fruit processing centre can look back on a successful first three years.
This year, the Holderhof is growing camomile on a larger scale for the first time – in organic quality and gently dried on site. Specialised companies use the flowers to produce aromatic teas.
Holderhof has recently started drying apple rings. A modern machine removes the core and cuts the apples into rings before they are dried in the warm air without additives and including the skin. The apples come exclusively from Swiss orchards.
Holderhof can look back on a challenging year of organic herb cultivation due to the weather. Lots of weeds meant a lot of work for Remo Knöpfel’s agricultural team. The programme also included trials with new herb varieties.
Farmer Sven Menzi cultivates 1,200 high-stem fruit trees with various varieties of cider apple. His optimally equipped machine park allows him to harvest the apples efficiently. The Holderhof processes these into pure juice at its fruit processing centre
The Holderhof consistently favours renewable energies. Fossil fuels are to be completely replaced within five years. The next step on this path is the commissioning of the solar plant in Henau.