Since the planting of that first strawberry field in the 1970s, the ‘Beerenhof Hofreiter’ has experienced continuous development, marked by the diligence and commitment of its owners. Raspberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries, and other varieties were added to the strawberry fields, and the first corn maze was opened in 1998 in Lochhausen as an attraction for visitors.

In 2006, Monika Hofreiter opened the first BeerenCafé, marking the entry into the restaurant business. Two years later, another BeerenCafé followed in Johanneskirchen, and another in Feldmoching in 2012. That same year, Thomas Hofreiter took over parts of the business, and in 2014 his sister Stefanie and his wife Karin joined the family company. In 2016, the official handover of the management to the 'young generation' of Munich Beeren GmbH took place.

Structured and efficient

Since then, the ‘Beerenhof Hofreiter’ has continued to grow. Tunnels and greenhouses for vegetable cultivation have been added, cherry and apple plantations have been established, and the first asparagus harvests have even taken place in Lochhausen.

"Our services also include the bioproduction of oats and corn as well as the generation of bioenergy in biogas plants," adds Thomas Hofreiter. "Overall, Munich Beeren GmbH has various pillars and a solid foundation. We are a true family business, with my parents, wife, sisters, and other family members helping out. I am overall responsible for the management and have further structured the operations. Administration, accounting, purchasing, everything is now digitized. Our goal is to make all processes more ecological and efficient, for example, saving water in cultivation through the use of economical irrigation systems."

Destination for Families

Since the coronavirus crisis, leisure and vacations in one's own country have become much more significant - not just for cost reasons. Many people long for closer nature contact, authentic experiences, and real interactions. Farms, with their unique strengths, have a good response to this: They offer clear processes and structures, plenty of space, tranquility, and a direct connection to nature.

The warm welcome by the host family adds to it. Thus, the young managing director of Munich Beeren GmbH increasingly focuses on the leisure sector. "We aim to become an attractive destination," he confirms. "Our target audience is primarily families with children. Our BeerenCafés in the open fields are currently open four to five months a year and offer water play areas, swings, slides, corn and straw mazes - making them ideal for a lovely day trip with the whole family."

Trustful Cooperation

With the production of renewable energy, berry, fruit, and vegetable plantations, and gastronomic operations, Münchner Beeren GmbH includes various promising business sectors and ideas. 'We too are challenged by the shortage of skilled workers,' admits Thomas Hofreiter. 'However, we train our staff ourselves and are quite well positioned in this area as well. The low turnover indicates that our employees feel comfortable with us. We try to be there for each other, even when there are personal problems, and help each other. The 'Beerenhof Hofreiter' is guided by Christian values. Honesty is a must and the basis for a trustful cooperation. We want to offer everyone a safe place. A large part of my work involves employee support.'

Recreation Farm for Families

Operating a recreational farm for families is the goal pursued by the dedicated manager of the 'Beerenhof'. 'I enjoy working with people who are enthusiastic and whom I can inspire,' adds Thomas Hofreiter. 'I hope that our corporate culture is lived by our employees and that we can fully integrate our products and services. This way, guests have the opportunity to experience and enjoy original, creative, and healthy food from local agriculture. In a family-friendly setting, they can feel comfortable and relax while spending their leisure time.'