From noble mold to gourmet meat

Anyone who enjoys a special piece of meat in top Swiss restaurants will increasingly find a product from the canton of Schaffhausen on their plate. This is because Neuhauser Luma Beef AG has been refining Swiss meat with a special noble mold since 2010.

Behind Luma Beef are two longtime friends, Lucas Oechslin and Marco Tessaro. They developed a process to refine fresh meat with a special noble mold. The result is products that meet the highest quality standards. This is because the noble mold causes cuts of beef, pork and veal to reach a maximum level of tenderness and flavor. In addition, the fungus gives the meat the incomparable nutty aroma of Luma. Five years after starting out on his own, company founder Lucas Oechslin reports on the young company's development to date.

Luma Beef

"Luma Beef AG has grown organically ovr the first five years"

Lucas Oechslin and Marco Tessaro, Founder Luma Beef AG

Lucas Oechslin, how has your company developed since it was founded in the summer of 2010?

Originally, Marco Tessaro and I were the only two employees of our own company. In the meantime, our company has grown to 10 people. We are internationally active and have been able to steadily expand our area of activity and product range.

Were there any setbacks or even doubts about independence during this time?

Setbacks are a matter of definition (laughs). At most, there are things that succeed better than others. If you look at your projects realistically enough in the planning phase, you are prepared for everything and are not surprised by setbacks.

Of course, sometimes you imagine what it would be like to work as an employee again. After all, self-employment is nice as long as everything is going well. But when times get tough, the pressure sometimes rises to the unpleasant level. And switching off in the evenings or on weekends is difficult. But the advantages of self-employment have always outweighed the disadvantages for us!

What role did the cantonal economic development agency play in the founding of your company?

The Economic Development Agency was one of the sparks that got our entrepreneurial fire burning in the first place. And over the last few years, the Economic Development team has always been a good companion and always open to our questions and needs.

In your opinion, what are the most important advantages of Schaffhausen as a business location?

From a financial perspective, especially the comparatively low rents and low taxes. We have found the local authorities to be very solution-oriented and pragmatic throughout. In addition, there is the proximity to Germany and the availability of qualified workers.

What products and services do you offer today?

In the area of "exclusive meat" we now offer almost everything. We supply top restaurateurs as well as private customers with meat, which would not be available in this quality elsewhere, or only with great difficulty. In addition, in the near future we will increasingly pass on our know-how on the occasion of workshops and events.

How can a private person purchase Luma Beef?

Under Luma Delicatessen, we have built an online store that has taken off very well. People seem to be ready for online meat shopping. We are gaining new customers every day and can also convince them of our sustainable approach to meat. Those who live nearby can also simply call us and pick up their order in person at our production facility in Neuhausen am Rheinfall.