Pure Swiss Alpine Caviar

OONA CAVIAR

Oona is the first Swiss caviar from sturgeon which are bred in naturally warm mountain spring water. “Oona”, derived from Celtic, stands for uniqueness and genuineness, and enables you to sense the exceptional nature of each grain of caviar.

Caviar lovers can find our prestigious caviar selections and sturgeon products in our online shop. For those really special moments of enjoyment.

TROPENHAUS FRUTIGEN​

At the foot of the Bernese High Alps lies a paradise waiting to be discovered: Tropenhaus Frutigen, the production site of Oona, the pure Swiss Alpine caviar. The mountain water, the fish farming and the tropical garden – a harmonious trio under one roof with three times the appeal, along with an innovative energy concept.

The tropical atmosphere, fish farming and alpine setting form a unique combination worldwide. For example, it relies upon closed, resource-efficient material cycles and renewable energies. It reminds us that where it stands today once stood a tropical climate: 250 to 300 million years ago dinosaurs also lived here among the fish: the sturgeons that are bred in Tropenhaus Frutigen.

Fish Farming

Tropenhaus Frutigen has continued to play a leading role in sustainable fish farming since the first sturgeon were bred at the facility in 2005. Together with the Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health at the University of Berne, it has optimised the fish husbandry conditions and has developed new, animal-friendly methods, such as determining the point in time when the caviar has reached optimal maturity. Today around 80,000 sturgeon swim around in the breeding tanks, alongside the perch (picture), zander and graylings.

Besides the warm water from the inside of the Lötschberg mountain, the recirculation system at Tropenhaus Frutigen is also a secret to success: The water tanks used for breeding fish are arranged in such a way that the same treated water always circulates within them. Pumps move the water from the central water treatment plant upwards into the tanks; it then flows downwards and back into the plant to be cleaned. Thanks to efficient filtration systems, the water quality in the basins is above-average, which is thereby beneficial for the health of the fish and the quality of the products. Antibiotics and other medication are deliberately not used. Sustainability and species-appropriate keeping of the animals enjoy the highest priority for fish farming at Tropenhaus Frutigen.

Fish is a healthy and popular choice of food. The huge increase in fish consumption around the world over the last few decades is testament to this. Consequently, the number of fish in the waters, including the number of sturgeon, has declined dramatically: overfishing is the sad diagnosis around the world. As a result of the hunger for fish, in particular the much sought-after expensive caviar, most of the 26 types of sturgeon are in danger of extinction. Wild sturgeon fishing is prohibited virtually worldwide. The sensible and sustainable alternative to wild fishing is therefore fish farming. The fish grow in pools or tanks and are fed food without the addition of medication or hormones.

AWARDS

Tropenhaus Frutigen and the agency ARD Design Switzerland were awarded with the “red dot award: communication design 2012” in the packaging category. The award was presented on October 24th, 2012, at the concert hall in Berlin.

Ice Cube – ice, mountain, water. The exquisite mountain water caviar is enclosed by the Ice Cube. Quality, pleasure and purity are guaranteed by this unique, precious caviar case. The glass and the shape of the glass cube, which is manufactured in Switzerland by Glasi Hergiswil, symbolises ice, the origin of water. The caviar is embedded in the centre of the cube in the shape of a sphere, just like a perfect caviar pearl. Each “Ice Cube” is unique, being created by hand, and the shape and aesthetic lines make it tempting to use the Ice Cube as a stylish and individual decoration after you have enjoyed the caviar.