Gastronomy and catering: unprocessed food more popular

“The mindset of customers has changed,” explains the wholesaler, “mostly those who can afford the extra workload. The processing of raw food is an additional expense and requires more manpower.” Especially with regards to haute cuisine which works a lot with the raw and unprocessed goods according to Tolls. “Those companies don’t have to save on staff and peel and slice all the fruit and vegetables themselves.”

The company Berger & Tolls has been supplying several hotels, restaurants and caterers in and around Düsseldorf for years. With their own fleet of delivery trucks they supply their customers everyday. With years of experience their experts know what their customers want. “At the moment brunoise onions are very popular. The onions are diced finely, about the size of a grain of rice. The bright white onions can be used directly. You couldn't cut them better if you tried yourself.”

“Berger & Tolls prepares and packs the fresh fruit and vegetables in their own refrigerated warehouse. And in a protective atmosphere and without chemical additives,” tells the trader from Düsseldorf. The company offers its customers plenty ready and cut produce. “For instance, we have carrots, potatoes, kohlrabi and much more. All expertly cut, washed and cleaned and ready to serve.”

While the price is a deciding factor for hospital kitchens and school canteens, for haute cuisine quality and local produce are more important. Roland Tolls: "The finer kitchens take great care to use many German products. Preferably, local or from their own region."

The customers know that they can trust the wholesaler from Düsseldorf. An independent institute tests and certifies hygiene and quality of the company every year. “Nowadays you need the proof that the quality of your product is guaranteed and you always meet all the hygiene requirements. Especially hospitals and schools need that extra proof.” These checks and certificates are renewed every year. “We train our staff often, so that our employees are always up to date” states the wholesaler.