Orticola Bassi made history as the first Swiss company to introduce a 5,000 m² LED-lit greenhouse dedicated to winter tomato production. This allows the company to meet market demand even in the coldest months—a rare feat in Switzerland.
"Our LED greenhouse ensures continuity," says Adriano Capetta, Grower at Orticola Bassi. He shares greenhouse management with Andrea Ottaviano. "It was a big step when we built it, but it's made us one of the few producers able to deliver fresh, local tomatoes throughout the entire year."
The crop cycle in their greenhouse begins at the end of August with transplanting, and harvest runs from October until July the next year, giving Orticola Bassi a year-long season.
© Orticola Bassi SA
Investing in renewable energy and circular economy solutions
The company operates a 500 kW biogas plant and photovoltaic panels that produce 1,300 kW of electricity. In addition, the greenhouses are heated using energy recovered from a nearby waste-to-energy facility. Adriano says they want to make sure that their growth doesn't come at the cost of future generations.
Orticola Bassi is also among the early adopters of cutting-edge solar technology developed by the Swiss startup Voltiris. The company was one of the first sites to install Voltiris' spectral filtering solar modules—designed specifically for use inside greenhouses without compromising plant growth.
"Voltiris panels allow us to generate energy within the greenhouse while still letting in all the light our tomatoes need for photosynthesis," Adriano shares.
The technology filters out non-essential wavelengths, capturing solar energy while maintaining ideal light conditions for the crops. This approach is being explored in similar pilot projects across Europe, including at Tomato Masters in Deinze, Belgium—the first site in the country to integrate solar panels directly into the greenhouse structure.
Tomato Masters' trial, part of a collaboration involving Coöperatie Hoogstraten, Proefcentrum Hoogstraten, and Tomeco, aims to study the dual benefits of energy generation and improved crop microclimate. Voltiris' installations are also expanding to sites such as Meier Gemüse and Lingezegen Energy in the Netherlands.
© Orticola Bassi SA
A family legacy of innovation
The grower is location in the picturesque Canton of Ticino, Switzerland, and has carved a niche as one of the country's most dynamic and forward-thinking tomato producers. Founded in 1986 by Marco Bassi, the company is now led by his son Christian Bassi, who has injected a spirit of renewal and progress into every corner of the business.
"Tomatoes are at the core of what we do," Adriano shares. "From vine to cherry and mini plum tomatoes, we are constantly refining our approach, combining tradition with the latest agricultural technologies."
Ten hectares of controlled growing
The company manages ten hectares of greenhouse production—comprising both glass and plastic structures—and an additional 100 hectares of open-field cultivation. Its greenhouse operations are almost entirely dedicated to tomatoes, grown using above-ground systems and a dedicated organic section.
"Our growing methods are adapted to the product and the season," Adriano explains. "We use high-tech greenhouse systems to control the environment and maximise yield without compromising quality."
© Orticola Bassi SA
Supplying Swiss retailers with local, sustainable produce
The company's client base consists primarily of large Swiss retailers. Adriano says these partnerships are built on reliability, local sourcing, and consistently high quality.
"Our customers expect the best," he explains. "They want produce that's not only fresh and full of flavour, but also grown locally and responsibly. That's exactly what we provide."
To meet demand throughout the year, the workforce at Orticola Bassi ranges from 40 to 140 employees, depending on the season—an agile structure that matches the rhythms of the production cycle.
The vision for continuous innovation
Looking to the future, Orticola Bassi is focused on both expanding its production area and modernising older infrastructure. The goal is not only to boost productivity but also to reduce environmental impact further.
"We believe that innovation and sustainability are two sides of the same coin," Adriano says. "To build a truly resilient and competitive agriculture, you have to constantly evolve."
For more information:
Orticola Bassi SA
Adriano Capetta
adriano@orticolabassi.ch
+41 76 376 11 75
orticolabassi.ch