Tradition meets innovation: the story of OVS

For more than 60 years, Obstversteigerung Sigmundskron has stood for quality, transparency and trust. What began in 1960 as the visionary idea of Franz Oberrauch Sr. is today a modern marketing operation, now in its third generation.

We combine the best of two worlds: the values of our founding years with the latest technology and efficient processes.

Find out how a small auction in the courtyard of an inn became South Tyrol’s first and most tradition-rich fruit auction.

Our history: from 1960 to today

2024 – STRONGER TOGETHER merger with Obstversteigerung Unterland (OVU). Two sites, one strong brand.

2015 – THE THIRD GENERATION Michael and Ruth Oberrauch lead the business into the future as auction manager and administrative manager.

2011 – SUSTAINABILITY installation of a 282 kW photovoltaic system on the hall roof. OVS commits to green energy.

2000 – EXPANSION construction of another large auction hall. Obstversteigerung Sigmundskron keeps growing.

1998 – DIGITALISATION the old auction clock is replaced by a modern electronic one. Fully networked from 2002.

1984 – QUALITY BECOMES A BRAND the SELECT mark for top quality is introduced. A milestone for South Tyrol’s fruit industry.

1982 – RECORD HARVEST 1,131 wagons of apples are auctioned, a fivefold increase in just 20 years.

1975 – A CHANGE OF GENERATION Franz Oberrauch Jr. takes over management from his father. The second generation leads the business into the modern age.

1963 – INNOVATION introduction of the auction clock on the Dutch model. The auction becomes more efficient and faster. A new auction hall is built.

1961 – GROWTH construction of the first exhibition hall in Frangart. At last, enough space for the growing volumes of fruit.

1960 – THE FOUNDING South Tyrol’s first fruit auction officially begins operations. In the first year, 230 wagons of apples are auctioned. The success exceeds all expectations.

1959 – THE VISION Franz Oberrauch Sr. makes his first attempt: selling fruit by auction in the courtyard of the “Zur Krone” inn in Sigmundskron.

Stronger together: the merger of OVS and OVU

In 2024 we are writing a new chapter: Obstversteigerung Sigmundskron (OVS) and Obstversteigerung Unterland (OVU) in Auer/Kaltern are joining together.

What does this mean?

FOR SUPPLIERS:

•   More flexibility thanks to two sites
•   A larger circle of buyers
•   Greater marketing power
•   Proven quality at both sites

FOR BUYERS:

•   A broader range
•   Larger volumes on offer
•   Two auction times a day (7:30 and 14:30)
•   One contact for both sites

Together we market more than 20,000 tonnes of fruit a year and bring together more than 60 years of auction experience.

The merger is more than an organisational change: it is a clear commitment to the future of independent fruit marketing in South Tyrol.

Our team – the Oberrauch family

OVS is and remains a family business, today run by the third generation. The fourth generation is already active in the company too.

RUTH OBERRAUCH – Management/Administrative manager
Ruth keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, from administration to invoicing.

MICHAEL OBERRAUCH – Management/Auction manager in Frangart
With passion and market knowledge, Michael leads the daily auctions. As the son and grandson of the founders, he knows every detail and always keeps an eye on innovation.

JOHANNES OBERRAUCH – Auction manager in Kaltern/Auer
Since the 2024 merger, Johannes has run the Auer/Kaltern site, bringing his long experience from OVU.

PHILIPP DONAT – Warehouse/Certifications/Suppliers
A member of the fourth generation, Philipp is responsible for the warehouse, certifications and supplier support.

They are supported by a dedicated team, all experts in the fruit trade.

Sustainability and responsibility

For us, quality also means responsibility: towards the environment, our staff and the region.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

•   Photovoltaic system (282 kW) on the hall roof
•   Promotion of integrated production among suppliers
•   Short transport routes through regional marketing
•   Minimal storage needs = lower energy use

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

•   GRASP-certified (social standards)
•   Fair working conditions
•   Support for local growers

REGIONAL VALUE CREATION

•   350+ South Tyrolean farming families benefit
•   Strengthening local agriculture
•   Preserving traditional forms of marketing