Gymi students start on radish chips

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It’s hard to miss the sound of Leon Dam (17) biting the chip. The crispy crunch of the chip is echoed in the schoolyard of the Kirchenfeld Gymnasium in Bern. Classmate and beginner colleague Rouven Kerler (18) grins: “I told you the chips were crispy.”

The chips in question are called Knacks, they are made from radish, a white, long-rooted vegetable, they have a spicy flavor and are particularly healthy because they are spicy. The chips were invented by six students from Bern. But why is a group of high school students making chips in their spare time? Knacks CEO Rouven Kerler (18) explains: “Each year, 3rd graders focusing on economics and law have to set up a start-up as part of a project effort.” High school students should apply the knowledge they have learned in the field of business and law in practice. The school project is supported by the Young Enterprise Switzerland (YES) organization. For project work, students need to independently develop their ideas and independently manage their companies.

Radish saved from organic farming

“It took us a long time to have a concrete idea,” says Rouven Kerler. “We wanted to do something new.” The topic of food was ubiquitous from the very beginning, and even glowing gum was discussed. Kerler later got the idea in his hometown of Bavaria. “Radish is very popular in Bavaria because it is healthy because of the minerals and vitamins it contains. So I thought, why don’t we make chips with it? Healthy chips.”

So the group got to work: they tinkered and tested. They don’t want to explain exactly how they make their veggie chips. “Trade secret,” Kerler says and winks. It is important to know that the radishes come from the Bern region and come from an organic farm. Radishes are used that the farm cannot sell because of their “imperfect” appearance.

Since they do not have their own kitchen, the chips are still made in the family’s kitchen. Especially at home with Leon Dam. When asked if it bothers his parents that he occasionally produces radish chips in the kitchen, he just shrugs: “If I can’t, we’ll shift production to someone else.” As head of production, Leon Dam is responsible for flavors, among other things. Besides the natural version, the crackers are also available in flavors of herb spices, paprika and garlic. Second chips should not be eaten before the appointment, as the garlic flavor is already intense. “If the other person doesn’t like garlic, then all is well,” he adds with a grin. On the back of the packaging it is handwritten which high school students made the chips.

Next stop: own production kitchen

The small company is financed by the sale of participation capital. It’s like a share, as six people have explained. As an outsider, you can buy a ticket where you can participate in the company’s profits, just like a stock.

The long time it took six people to find a product was rewarded. They now supply farm and organic shops in the region as well as the traditional Loeb store in Bern. Knack-Chips are popular because demand is high. “We can barely keep track of production,” says Rouven Kerler. When there is school and free time, there is not much time for chips. The group plans to continue their work after school and eventually work in a professional kitchen.

Source : Blick