The special added value of wholesale markets is demonstrated, among other things, by the wide variety of products on offer. GSM Import-Export Ltd, for example, offers Agretto, an Italian herb also known as "monk's beard".
"In terms of taste, Agretto is reminiscent of seaweed and it is only on sale for one to two weeks. However, it is exactly such products that our clientele appreciates. Of course, customers know that we cannot offer the same prices as the supermarket chains. However, they will find a wider range of products and different products than in those stores. Besides, we can deal more flexibly with specific desires," says Mehmet Akpolat, managing director of GSM Import-Export. Akpolat himself has been working at the wholesale market for 16 years. The company celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020.
Currently, the company offers peppers from Spain from the Naturinda brand, among other products. "We offer the Spanish goods directly after the goods from the Netherlands. The switch is seamless, so consumers will hardly notice anything. In terms of quality, the products aren't that far apart," Akpolat says. "In addition to this, we also offer country-specific bell pepper varieties from Turkey, which is very much appreciated by the food service industry and customers who come from Turkey. The demand for our peppers is comparable to previous years."
"In week 6, there was a noticeable jump in prices due to weather conditions in Italy and Spain. It has become significantly cooler, which is why there is less produce. However, the price jumps are nothing unusual." Logistically, he said, there have also been seasonal delays due to snowfall. "In principle, however, our logistics chain is well positioned, so orders always arrive promptly."
Unlike what happened to pure catering wholesalers, the pandemic increased GSM's business. "We were worried that we would sell less. However, with restaurants closing, more was consumed at home, which led to more retail purchases. This in turn benefited us, as our customers include self-pickers with their own stores from Berlin and Brandenburg, catering suppliers and, last but not least, food retailers." GSM retail customers can be found nationwide, he said. "Interest in our products has increased noticeably over the years."
For more information:
Mehmet Akpolat
GSM Import-Export GmbH
Fruchtgroßhandel
Beusselstraße 44n-q
10553 Berlin
Tel.: +49.30.397 47 911-0
Fax: +49.30.396 12 90
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.gsm.berlin