Teething problems for Gstaad-Saanenland milk cooperative
This time last year, the population of Saanenland was in a state of shock over the cheese scandal (click here to learn more). Following allegations of falsely-labeled mountain cheeses, the resignation of Gstaad's “Archbishop of Cheese”, Hanspeter Reust, and an ongoing police investigation into the scandal, six local dairies have since been negotiating the creation of a milk-cooperative. As from July 1 2008, “Milchzentrum Gstaad-Saanenland AG” will be set up in order to coordinate and centralize the valley's milk production, although tough decisions about location and costs are yet to be reached.
Above from left: Bern lawyer Franz A. Zölch, with the six local dairy chiefs David Gander, Gsteig, Klaus Teuscher, Schönried, Jörg Trachsel, Lauenen, Ueli Bach, Turbach, Markus Bach, Saanen, und Hans-Ruedi Steiner, Gstaad.
Whereas Gstaad, Saanen, Lauenen, Gsteig and Turbach dairies have all signed the deal, the dairy in Schönried has not. When asked about the reasons for the dairy’s refusal, president Klaus Teuscher told the Anzeiger von Saanen that there were “still too many uncertainties, especially with regard to location and production quotas. We have to do our homework properly and make sure that the investment will bring forth results.” Questions have arisen concerning the political and financial aspect of the dairy's motives: Schönried recuperated the contract with Migros following last year’s cheese scandal, and it’s not the first time the Schönrieders have gone against the rest of the valley. In spite of their decision, the five other dairies intend to go ahead with the joint project at the given date, so long as there are no more unwelcome surprises between now and then. Gstaad Molkerei president Hans-Ruedi Steiner said that “The door remains open for Schönried. We shall be keeping in touch.” Schönried dairy managing director Johann Graf will continue to act as adviser to the Gstaad Cheese-ripening warehouse.
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