After over 80 years as a cornerstone of the local economy, the Düsseldorf Wholesale Market will soon be saying "END OF THE LINE". Since its inception, the wholesale market has played a central role in Düsseldorf's economic structure. It is a living symbol of the perfect harmony between tradition and modernity, embodying the dynamic spirit of Düsseldorf. The Düsseldorf Wholesale Market is located in the heart of the city. It comes to life in the early morning hours every day. A bustling place where wholesalers and regional farmers offer their fresh and high-quality products. This busy activity has made the wholesale market an indispensable part of the local community. A press conference took place on-site at the wholesale market on February 5.
"The city of Düsseldorf has terminated all lease agreements at the end of the year and shows no interest in offering solutions for a new home. With over 300,000 tons of fruit and vegetables traded per year and a total turnover of over 500 million euros, the wholesale market is the centerpiece of food supply for Düsseldorf and the surrounding regions. These impressive figures not only underline its economic importance but also its role as a lifeline for the local supply of fresh and healthy products," says the Düsseldorf Wholesale Market Halls Cooperative.
From left to right, Roland Tolls, Peter Eßer, and Hans-Peter Deutschmann commented on the current situation in a detailed press conference on site.
Food security and well-being of the population
The wholesale market employs over 1,000 people in the associated wholesale and supply companies and additionally supports 80 regional producers from the entire Lower Rhine area. This close cooperation ensures that fresh food reaches Düsseldorf kitchens daily, making a significant contribution to food security and the well-being of the population. "The Düsseldorf Wholesale Market is much more than a trading place. It is part of Düsseldorf's identity and a driver for regional and environmentally conscious action. By promoting regional products, the wholesale market makes a decisive contribution to reducing CO2
emissions, to strengthening the local economy, and to diversifying the supply."
Given the central role that the wholesale market plays for the entire region, it is of utmost importance to preserve and promote this unique location. "Despite intensive efforts and negotiations by the wholesale traders with the city administration to find a viable solution for the continuation of the wholesale market, all proposals by the Düsseldorf Wholesale Market Halls, including the offer to take over part of the market, to renovate and operate it independently, were rejected. The consequences of the closure hit not only the operators of the market hard but also a multitude of customers: schools, hospitals, large kitchens, kindergartens, the gastronomy, weekly markets, grocery stores, and farm shops, which rely on the daily supply of fresh products."
"Time is of the essence, the message is clear and loud. A new location is subject to special requirements: An area of about 35,000 to 40,000 sqm, including a hall of 15,000 sqm, a permit for a 24/7 operation to continue to guarantee the usual flexibility and reliability to customers and partners. In a direct appeal to Mayor Keller, the wholesalers have repeatedly expressed their willingness to manage and operate the site at the wholesale market themselves, as a clear commitment to sustainable regional supply and to supporting local farmers. A dialogue offer from the Mayor of Düsseldorf is still pending," it continues.
Last call to action
The decision to build further office complexes on the site of the Düsseldorf Wholesale Market could prove to be short-sighted, especially if these buildings also remain unused. This would not only waste valuable space but also miss the opportunity to promote sustainable and future-oriented urban development that focuses on the needs of the citizens. "The Düsseldorf Wholesale Market Halls are at a critical turning point that will significantly influence the future of regional supply in the area. It is a last call to action – for the city administration, for local and regional decision-makers, and for the community as a whole."
"The time to act is now. The message to the city of Düsseldorf is clear and loud: Let's shape the future of the Düsseldorf Wholesale Market together. If the city of Düsseldorf does not respond to this last appeal, the wholesale traders will be forced to look for possible alternatives. There are already first positive signals from neighboring communities, showing a much greater interest in the sustainable development of a future-proof economic location."
For more information:
www.grossmarkthallen-duesseldorf.de
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