Mattersburg, Austria – Burgenland’s top fruit producers were celebrated this week at the annual Landesprämierung, a key quality competition for the region’s fruit processing industry. The event, held in Mattersburg, highlighted the strength and diversity of local businesses, with a record number of entries demonstrating the continued commitment to quality in Burgenland’s agricultural sector. This year’s competition saw 394 products submitted by 76 businesses, all vying for recognition in categories ranging from brandy and juice to vinegar, and liqueur.
The Landesprämierung isn’t just about accolades; it serves as a crucial benchmark for consumers, offering a reliable indicator of product quality. Nikolaus Berlakovich, President of the Burgenländische Landwirtschaftskammer, emphasized this point, stating that the awards are “not only an acknowledgement for the businesses, but too an vital quality criterion for the consumer when making a purchase.” The event also marked the first time “Producers of the Year” were named, adding a latest dimension to the longstanding tradition.
A total of 164 products received Gold medals, while 134 were awarded Silver. An additional 55 products were “Prämiert,” recognizing their quality, though falling short of the top two tiers. Forty-one entries did not receive an award. The competition, organized jointly by the Burgenländische Landwirtschaftskammer and the Burgenländischer Obstbauverband, underscores the importance of fruit processing to the Burgenland economy. The judging process, completed in early February, involved a panel of experts from across Austria and neighboring countries.
New Recognition for Top Producers
This year’s Landesprämierung introduced a new element: the “Producer of the Year” awards. The selection criteria focused on consistent quality, with the winner determined by the highest average score across all submitted products. To be eligible, businesses needed to submit at least five products across three different award categories. Sonnenobst Fam. Habeler from Wiesen took home the Gold award, while Destillerie Kohlmann from Horitschon earned Silver, and the Landwirtschaftliche Fachschule Eisenstadt received Bronze. Here’s the second year the top three producers have been recognized.
The “Producer of the Year” designation is a significant achievement, reflecting a commitment to excellence across an entire product line. The awards highlight the diverse range of skills and expertise within Burgenland’s fruit processing industry, from traditional distilling techniques to innovative juice production.
Emphasis on Regional and Seasonal Consumption
Beyond the awards themselves, the Landesprämierung served as a platform to advocate for increased consumption of locally sourced fruit and fruit products. Johann Plemenschits, President of the Burgenländischer Obstbauverband, urged consumers to prioritize regionality and seasonality when making purchasing decisions. “Many local fruit farmers market their products directly to consumers through farm stands, farmers’ markets, and farm shops,” Plemenschits noted. He also encouraged shoppers to look for Burgenland-origin labels when buying processed fruit products in retail stores.
Plemenschits underscored the growing importance of self-sufficiency in the face of global instability. “In times of international unrest and war, the importance of self-sufficiency with regional food in our own country becomes increasingly apparent,” he said. Supporting local farmers, he argued, is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of Burgenland’s agricultural sector.
2026 Landesprämierung Award Winners
Here’s a list of the 2026 Landessieger:
- ESSIG (Vinegar): Landw. Fachschule Eisenstadt, 7000 Eisenstadt – Apfel-Balsamessig (Apple Balsamic Vinegar)
- SAFT (Juice): Albert Leeb, 7161 St. Andrä – Pinova Apfelsaft Naturtrüb (Pinova Apple Juice, Natural Cloudy)
- KERNOBST (Stone Fruit Brandy): Josef Mild, 7212 Forchtenstein – Quittenbrand (Quince Brandy)
- STEINOBST (Stone Fruit Brandy): Herbert Fürsatz, 7222 Rohrbach – Marillenbrand (Apricot Brandy)
- BEERENOBST (Berry Brandy): Destillerie Kohlmann, 7312 Horitschon – Himbeerbrand (Raspberry Brandy)
- WILDOBST (Wild Fruit Brandy): Destillerie Stockvogler, 7221 Marz – Vogelbeerbrand (Rowanberry Brandy)
- WEIN-, TRAUBEN-, TRESTER- und HEFEBRAND (Wine, Grape, Pomace & Yeast Brandy): Martin Gangl, 7142 Illmitz – Traubenbrand Muskat Ottonel (Grape Brandy Muscat Ottonel)
- LIKÖR (Liqueur): Sonnenobst Fam. Habeler, 7203 Wiesen – Johannisbeerlikör (Blackcurrant Liqueur)
The Burgenland Landesprämierung continues to be a vital event for the region’s fruit processing industry, showcasing the dedication and skill of local producers. Looking ahead, organizers are already planning for the 2027 competition, with a continued focus on promoting quality, innovation, and regional sustainability. The next official update regarding the 2027 Landesprämierung, including registration details and judging criteria, is expected in early 2027, according to the Burgenländische Landwirtschaftskammer website.
What are your thoughts on supporting local agriculture? Share your comments below, and please share this article with others who appreciate the quality and tradition of Burgenland’s fruit products.
