Press Release 3rd April 2025

Highest quality fish from the ice-cold waters of the Gesäuse National Park

The highest quality fish from the ice-cold waters of the Gesäuse National ParkGlass-clear spring water, cool temperatures and plenty of experience: the Glück family has been farming fish for three generations - and for 15 years, together with Ja! Natürlich has been running an organic char farm in the Styrian Gesäuse. The facility on the edge of the national park is located where the rugged limestone massif of the Gesäuse gently merges into the meadow-rich ‘Kalkgarten’ - an ideal place for fish farming. The species-appropriate husbandry allows for slow growth. It takes up to three years for the brook trout to reach their catch size.

Four people standing outdoors near a small waterway with trees and buildings in the background, wearing casual outdoor clothing.

f.l.t.r. Bernhard Glück, Andreas Steidl, Erich Glück, Klaudia Atzmüller / Copyright: © Ja! Natürlich/ Christian Dusek, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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Ja! Natürlich Managing Director Andreas Steidl explains: "Here in the Gesäuse, we find the best water in the country and therefore the perfect conditions for organic fish farming. Because the quality of the water directly influences the flavour of the fish. The water here is not only crystal clear, but also ice-cold because it comes straight from the mountain. In times of climate change, this is unfortunately no longer a given! That's why we were immediately convinced by the idea of working with the Glück family to establish regional organic fish from the Gesäuse National Park as a sustainable part of our product range. The organic char from these waters is a very special product: delicate in flavour and rich in protein."

Regionality and responsibility - an established partnership

The Glück family is the exclusive organic char supplier of Ja! Natürlich. The animals grow up slowly, in low stocking densities and on a natural pond bottom. "A fish pond is like a cowshed under water - the fish need daily care. We check the water, regularly sort the animals by size and keep a close eye on their health. Every season brings different challenges, but that's what makes the work so exciting," says Bernhard Glück, who is now the third generation to run the fish farm together with his father Erich Glück. "We are proud to be part of the success story with Ja! Natürlich success story," emphasises the senior.

Klaudia Atzmüller, Managing Director of Ja! Natürlich, emphasises the importance of the location: "We have been cooperating with the Austrian National Parks for decades because these unique regions are just as committed to protecting nature and biodiversity as we are at Ja! Natürlich." Demand for fish is particularly high in the weeks leading up to Easter, topped only by the pre-Christmas period. "But fish is not only in demand during Lent. It is now very important to 45 per cent of Austrians to cut down on meat. The protein-rich char in particular is very popular with many nutrition-conscious people. Many people are focussing on fish for their health-conscious diet. 18 to 25-year-olds in particular are increasingly pescetarians - already 10 per cent of this age group. Arctic char is an attractive and delicious addition to the barbecue, especially on hot days: with more than 70 per cent polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 3 and protein-rich firm meat, it is an Austrian fish highlight."

*marketmind survey 2023