Ebersberg fruit press in danger: Who will be Anton Lettl's successor?

Ebersberg fruit press in danger: Who will be Anton Lettl's successor?

The Ebersberger fruit press is facing a decisive turning point. How Mercury reports, the traditional institution, which has existed for 80 years, could soon come to a standstill if no successor is found for the long-time press manager Anton Lettl (77). He will resign from his position at the end of the 2025 season for reasons of age and will no longer manage the fruit press, which has played an important role in the processing of fallen fruit since it was founded in 1945.

The fruit press was initiated under Mayor Otto Meyer and has developed further over the years. Where apples previously had to be transported in large glass carboys, heated and bottled, processing is now automated. However, this technique requires technical understanding, which doesn't make finding a new press manager any easier. The Ebersberg Horticultural Association, which has been responsible for the fruit press since 1948, is now urgently looking for a successor.

Call for those interested

The fruit press offers an important solution to the excess of fallen fruit by producing sterilized juice in cartons. The operation requires around 150 working hours annually, mainly in the harvest months of September and October. The horticultural association hopes to find a technical early retiree by 2026 who is willing to familiarize themselves with the hygiene regulations and manage the fortunes of the press. Anyone interested can contact the club by phone.

In 2006, a new concept for modernizing the fruit press was introduced, which included the use of new technologies and equipment. These advances have pioneered efforts to make fruit processing more efficient. Anton Lettl took over management of the bottling plant 15 years ago and will prepare the plant for hibernation in November 2025 before the new harvest begins.

Whether the Ebersberg fruit press continues to contribute to the region's succulent tradition depends largely on whether the horticultural association finds a suitable successor. In the meantime, it remains to be seen how this historic institution, which has existed for over eight decades, will meet the next challenge.

There is a lot at stake for Ebersberger - a good successor could help the club even in difficult times. It is possible that other active people will revive the tradition and pass on the valuable knowledge about fruit processing.

The Ebersbergers certainly do not suffer from a lack of apple trees. Maybe there is a tech-savvy early retiree in the local community who has the necessary skills to lead the fruit press into a new era. The future of the Ebersberger fruit press lies in the hands of the community.