After a traditionally weaker January, business in Berlin's wholesale market is gradually picking up again. The omnipresent price and cost increases are shaping the daily nighttime operations on Beusselstrasse, as can be seen from on-site discussions with traders. The situation is aggravated by the shortage of goods due to the energy crisis and the weather, which is why some items are difficult to obtain at the moment.
Click here for the photo gallery of the wholesale market.
During the cold season, imported goods, especially citrus fruits and vegetable products from southern Europe, dominate the scene. The citrus season in the northern hemisphere, for example, has been rather slow so far. The clementine varieties have now been largely cleared, while the tangold mandarins are proving difficult to market. At the Berlin wholesale market, everyone is usually waiting for the Orri clementines, according to Michael Brücker, stand manager at Macoo GmbH. "Especially the Israeli Orri clementine is the measure of all things. The 60-caliber, in particular is well received by our buyers. Spanish Orri clementines have more of a complementary character in Berlin." The season can normally be carried through to Easter, it is further stated.
Vegetable imports from southern Europe are hitting hard at the moment, as Rasim Shateri of Gemex Handels GmbH told us. "The purchase prices for Italian rocket have more than doubled, also Spanish vegetable onions are currently traded at exorbitantly high prices, around 26 €/per 25 kg." However, the wholesaler expects price reductions soon, especially in Italy.
Click here for the photo gallery of the wholesale market.
Future of the wholesale store
Furthermore, the longer-term challenges, such as rent increases, staff shortages, and the uncertain future of the site, dominate the discussions deep into the night. Due to the sluggish negotiations for the new redevelopment of the Berlin wholesale market and the renewed rent increases (between 15 and 22 percent), a large part of the traders no longer sees a future at the location in the Moabit district. According to the traders' cooperative, the wholesale market should be completely rebuilt - on the site of the former Tegel Airport.
"If the ambitious plans become a fact, we would certainly like to move to the new site with them," says Hüseyin Türkarslan of Gemüse-Express GmbH. Stephan Lotz of Lykos GmbH has also noted the plans with enthusiasm. "It is definitely an interesting option that we will be happy to review and consider." Andreas Lange of Keuthmann agrees with his colleagues, but at the same time, sees some points of criticism: "In my opinion, a new wholesale store on the former Tegel Airport site would be possible and also necessary, if you look at the condition of the current premises. However, the construction time of 10-20 years could be problematic. A metropolis like Berlin just needs a sustainable wholesale market, excellently on the current scale."
Further information:
https://www.fruchthof-berlin.de