How the fruit auction works
During the harvest season, supply and demand meet daily at OVS: transparently, fairly and efficiently.
From the very beginning, we have auctioned freshly harvested fruit using the proven Dutch auction system.
Every day our growers deliver their harvest. The same day it is displayed and auctioned in our modern auction halls. The buyers are vetted traders from across Europe.
What makes it special: the price is set in real time by competition among the buyers. The computer-controlled auction clock counts down from a starting price; the first to press the button wins the lot.
This is how we guarantee:
• Maximum freshness (often just 24 hours from tree to buyer)
• Fair market prices through open competition
• Transparency for everyone involved
• Fast handling
How the auction runs
1. DELIVERY
Our growers deliver their freshly harvested apples and pears to the auction halls every day. Each lot is sorted by variety, size and quality.
2. QUALITY CONTROL
Our experts carry out spot checks on every lot for size, colour, ripeness and quality. Only first-class produce goes under the hammer.
3. AUCTION
The auction clock starts at a maximum price and counts down within seconds. The first buyer to press the button wins the lot. The price and buyer number are shown immediately.
4. HANDLING
The sold lots are made ready for collection. Buyers arrange immediate transport. Suppliers receive their payment promptly.
Auction times and locations
Headquarters Frangart
Monday to Saturday at 7:30
(August to the end of October)
Sigmundskroner Straße 19
I-39057 Frangart (BZ), South Tyrol
Tel.: +39 0471 633285
Branch Auer/Kaltern
Monday to Saturday at 14:30
(August to the end of October)
Kalterer Moos 3
I-39052 Kaltern (BZ), South Tyrol
Tel.: +39 0471 633285
There are no auctions outside the season!
The auction clock for fair prices
Our computer-controlled auction clocks guarantee a lightning-fast, transparent sales process:
• 100 LED lights show the price movement visually
• Automatic display of lot number, variety and quality
• Digitally networked since 2002
• Every buyer’s seat fitted with a push-button
The system prevents manipulation and ensures that the fastest buyer pays the fair market price.
Become a buyer at OVS
Your benefits:
• Fresh fruit straight from the source every day
• Transparent price discovery through auction
• GLOBALG.A.P.-certified quality
• A wide variety
• Two sites in South Tyrol
Requirements:
• A trade licence for fruit
• Registration with OVS
Become a supplier at OVS
Your benefits:
• Fair market prices through transparent auctioning
• Fast payment
• Freedom as an independent supplier (no binding commitment)
• A reward for top quality (SELECT programme)
• 350+ satisfied growers
Requirements:
• First-class quality
• Careful sorting by size and colour
• Daily delivery during the harvest season
