Have you ever considered that behind a small box of mushrooms lies a highly developed scientific ecosystem and a vision for a better future? Nestled in the beautiful Swiss Alps, Kernser Edelpilze is revolutionising agricultural production. They are not only experts in mushroom cultivation, but also pioneers of sustainable development. From recycling waste materials to operating an energy-efficient, modern production facility, this company shows how high-quality food production and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
Kernser Edelpilze pursues a circular economy model that minimises waste and converts by-products into valuable resources. One of its innovations is the use of wood waste with no processing value to produce mushroom substrate. Pressed grain cakes - residues after oil extraction - and grain husks, which are unsuitable for food production, also provide important nutrients for mushroom cultivation. The wood comes from naturally grown Swiss forests, while the grain husks are sourced from local organic farms. This not only reduces waste disposal, but also ensures that the mushrooms grow in a natural, pollutant-free environment. Kernser Edelpilze also works exclusively with solar energy and uses sustainable and ecological packaging with a high proportion of recycled cardboard and water-based labels on the packaging materials.
Kernser Edelpilze operates a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient production facility. Its intelligent climate control system ensures optimal growing conditions for the mushrooms while minimising energy consumption. By continuously monitoring temperature, humidity and CO₂ levels, the system automatically adjusts ventilation and heating, significantly reducing energy waste. The company also uses renewable energies such as solar power to supply certain production processes. The company's heating system relies on waste heat recovery technology, which reuses excess heat from production to improve overall energy efficiency. These measures not only lower production costs, but also significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. Even the workforce is recruited from the local area to minimise emissions caused by commuting.
To reduce the environmental impact of transport, Kernser Edelpilze relies on a localised supply chain. Its mushroom farms are located in close proximity to the main sales markets so that the products are transported to customers over the shortest possible distance. This not only ensures that the mushrooms are fresher, but also reduces CO₂ emissions caused by long transport routes. The company also works closely with Swiss supermarkets and restaurants to offer fresh, high-quality mushrooms and encourage consumers to favour local products - an important step towards more sustainable food consumption.
Kernser Edelpilze has received numerous awards thanks to its commitment to innovation and sustainability. In 2014, they won the Swiss "agroPrize" for agricultural innovation, making them the first agricultural company to be honoured by the Central Switzerland Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHZ). In 2019, their new company building received the Swiss Construction Award for sustainable energy and state-of-the-art technology for the efficient use of resources. These awards not only emphasise their pioneering role in the industry, but also motivate them to continue researching environmentally friendly and efficient production methods.
The company has also developed biodegradable plant pots made from discarded mushroom mycelium through its subsidiary Mycostrat GmbH. Unlike conventional plastic products, these pots are environmentally friendly and decompose naturally after use - a perfect example of sustainability in action.
For the future, Kernser Edelpilze plans to further expand its sustainable agricultural practices. This includes the development of new mushroom varieties, the optimisation of energy-efficient technologies and research into further applications for bio-based materials. Their aim is not only to offer high-quality mushrooms, but also to steer the entire agricultural sector in a technology-orientated, more environmentally friendly direction. With its innovative and sustainable production model, Kernser Edelpilze impressively demonstrates how agriculture, modern technology and environmental protection can be harmoniously combined.
The China Foods Alliance is pleased to be able to offer mushrooms from Kernser Edelpilze on the occasion of the China Foods Roadshow.
