Meet Our Suppliers

Kozak Buvette x Biopartner: Behind the Ukrainian Bio Restaurant Basel Loves

At Kozak Buvette, we know that cooking homemade meals isn’t just about following our Babushka’s recipe to the letter. It’s about choosing ingredients that taste like they’re supposed to. You know—eggs that taste like real eggs, tomatoes that smell like summer, greens that crunch with life. That’s why we stick with ethical and bio suppliers who share our values.

Whether you're a local regular or a curious foodie planning a visit, our location in Basel’s vibrant Markthalle is where it all comes together—homemade dishes, ethical ingredients, and a warm welcome. It’s better for the planet, for the farmers, and (most importantly) for your taste buds.

That’s why we love working with Biopartner, a Swiss pioneer in organic food, bringing together ethical farming, regional products, and respect for people and the planet.

If you’ve ever had our syrnyky, borscht, or seasonal green salads, chances are you’ve already met Biopartner… through your fork. ‍

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Elena from Biopartner and asked her some questions. ‍

A Conversation with Elena from Biopartner

What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about organic farming?

Well, people often assume that bio is just too expensive, or that it’s a marketing trick to justify higher prices. Some believe that it doesn’t really offer any added value, whether in terms of health, taste, or environmental benefits.

There’s also scepticism around certification processes. I’ve heard people say they’re too opaque or not strict enough, which can understandably lead to doubt.

Others think bio farming just doesn’t yield enough to feed the global population. And then there’s this outdated image of bio being kind of dusty or old-fashioned. But those are all misconceptions. When you dig deeper, you realize organic certification is essential for transparency and building trust with consumers.

How does Biopartner ensure its partnerships with farmers are ethically and socially sustainable?

We care about long-term partnerships and personal relationships. We stay in close contact with our farmers, we give purchase guarantees, and we make sure they receive fair prices. We also focus on building trust.

A great example of this is our chocolate partner, Max Felchlin AG. They’ve been working with us on our own-brand chocolate, and they just won the Swiss Ethics Award 2025. The award honors their commitment to improving access to medical care in cocoa-producing regions. That kind of work, beyond the field, beyond the factory, is exactly what we value. We’re proud to partner with people who care deeply about building a fair, transparent, and responsible bio supply chain.

How does Biopartner reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain?

Sustainability is something we think about constantly. Half of our fleet already runs on eco-diesel. We’re also very strategic about our delivery routes, making sure they’re efficient, and we always send trucks out fully loaded to reduce emissions.

And it’s not just about the trucks, we’re constantly optimizing our entire logistics process in order to keep improving. There’s always a better way, and we’re always looking for it. 

Food waste is a big issue nowadays, especially with fresh, perishable items. How do you handle that?

That’s a huge focus for us. We’ve invested in precise purchasing tools that help us only order what we truly need. Thanks to this planning—especially over the past three years—we’ve managed to cut product losses by 60%, which is a big deal.

At our Biobistro in Seon, we prioritize using products that are nearing their best-before date, and our employees are also welcome to take these items home. On top of that, we donate to humanitarian organizations. It’s about respect for the food, for the people who grow it, and for the planet.

What makes you proud to work at Biopartner?

There’s a real sense of purpose in what we do. Every day, we’re contributing to the strength of Switzerland’s specialized bio trade. We’re offering people products that are not just delicious, but also fair and sustainable.

Plus, we have a family-like atmosphere at work. Everyone’s on a first-name basis, and there’s a genuine sense of care. And then there are our customers, who constantly show us their appreciation. That's really our fuel, what keeps us going. It’s very motivating. ‍ ‍

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Honest Partnerships, Honest Plates

A big part of what ends up on our menu starts with Biopartner. They’re one of our go-to sources for fresh, organic ingredients. We’ve been working with them for a while now, and we really value how committed they are to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

If you’re curious, you can check them out here: www.biopartner.ch
And on Instagram: @biopartner_schweiz

Why Kozak Buvette sources ethically

At Kozak, we want everyone who comes through our doors to enjoy a meal that was made with purpose, from the seed to the plate.

We’re proud to support a bio future and to leave a lighter footprint on the planet.

So next time you’re in Basel, come say hi at the Markthalle.

Check our hours, bring a friend, and taste traditional Ukrainian dishes at our cozy bio buvette.

Good Things Grow Nearby

Good Things Grow Nearby We do our best to keep things local. Our location in Basel is a short visit away from the region's best farmers and producers which makes it easy for us to source fresh waren for our meals.

Whether it’s crisp greens, sweet beets, or whatever’s in season, we handpick the best we can find. It keeps our food fresh and full of flavor, and it helps us support the community around us.

The Importance of Sustainable Food

Sustainability is one of the core values we stand for. It really shapes every decision we make. By prioritizing bio and organic products, we help protect the environment and promote healthier, more natural food systems.

We want our guests to know that each meal enjoyed at Kozak Buvette supports a more responsible way of eating.

When you leave our restaurant, we hope you carry with you not just a satisfied appetite, but also a deeper appreciation for the positive impact that sustainable, bio food can have on our community and our planet. ‍

Try our meals at Markthalle Basel

So next time you take a bite of our syrnyky, slurp our borscht, or crunch into a seasonal salad—know that behind every ingredient is a story of care, community, und der delicious joy of doing things right. Because at Kozak Buvette, it’s not just about food.

Whether you're a local regular or a curious foodie planning a quick stop (just check our opening hours!), our location in Basel’s vibrant Markthalle is where it all comes together

You’ll find us in Basel’s Markthalle—our favorite location to cook, connect, and share the joy of seasonal, bio food.