Relationships are the key to success for Austrian family business Achleitner

With organic production accounting for 25% of all farming in Austria, the country currently leads the way in Europe. Biohof Achleitner, based in the Austrian town of Eferding, is one example of a family business that has been successfully supplying consumers with organic fruits and vegetables for more than 30 years. The keys ingredients in its success? A fair and sustainable approach to growing with minimal waste, close relationships with customers, employees and other organic growers, and home deliveries.

One of the goals in the European Union’s ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy is that 25% of all agricultural land should be farmed organically by 2030. However, there are currently sizable differences between the various member states; Austria is already at 25%, for example, while in Malta organic farming accounts for just 0.5% of the total.

Strong ties to nature

There is no simple explanation for the huge differences, but David Pape, Account Manager at Rijk Zwaan Germany, makes an observation: “Austrian consumers probably feel strong ties to nature. They certainly like ethically produced, locally grown products,” he says. Together with Heleen Bos, Specialist Marketing Organics at Rijk Zwaan, David visited the family business Achleitner to hear more about the company’s approach. They were also keen to learn more about Achleitner’s future vision, and discuss how Rijk Zwaan could continue to develop strong varieties to help the company realise it.

Towards 100% organic

In the opinion of the Achleitner family – father Günter, mother Ilse and son Andreas – the 25% target for organic farming is not nearly ambitious enough. Andreas, who left his career at an internet company to join the family business three years ago, believes in an organic revolution. “The long-term goal should be for organic cultivation to become the norm – not only in Austria, but also in the rest of Europe. I firmly believe that it’s healthier… for people, for animals and for the environment. That’s why we want to partner up with doctors to promote a 100%-organic diet.”

Just 1% waste

The company’s vision actually extends beyond organic cultivation. Andreas also dreams of Achleitner becoming 100% sustainable, i.e. carbon neutral, climate neutral and energy neutral. “Our buildings are made of sustainable materials and we drive electric cars. Besides that, I’m pretty proud of the fact that we generate just 1% waste. We make our own compost, for example, and we sell everything we grow – either delivered fresh to consumers, in our restaurant, in our shop or to other businesses.”

Freshly harvested

The family business cultivates a wide range of vegetables on around 100 hectares with a workforce of 117 employees. The company does all its own sales. It has an appealing shop and in-store restaurant, where visitors can buy not only freshly harvested produce but also soups and stews made by Andreas’ sister, as well as products – from bread, dairy and meat, to cleaning and personal care items – sourced from 150 other organic producers.

Delivered to your door

What makes Achleitner unique is its online home delivery service for the Biokiste (crate of organic produce). Consumers, businesses and schools can choose from 14 different Biokisten and they can supplement their orders from a range of 1,600 other organic products, all with as little packaging as possible. Between 15,000 and 20,000 crates are delivered to people’s doors every week.

Relationships with producers, customers and employees

“Relationships with other organic producers are key to Biohof Achleitner’s success; they know them all personally. During my visit, I was also very impressed by the company’s strong engagement with customers and employees. Employees can borrow e-bikes and can even attend free physiotherapy sessions,” remarks Heleen. “Our employees are very important to us. We would like them all to live to be a hundred. With this approach, we hope to make the world a better place,” responds Andreas.