It is six o’clock in the morning in the Duisburg market hall and Peter Nüchter goes back and forth in his storage rooms. He represents the third generation doing business in the company founded by grandfather Willi Nüchter. This hour is rush hour. Whilst busily working, Nüchter gives directions to his son and future successor Sven. "As you see, we sell all sorts of fruits and vegetables, including herbs and exotics," says the wholesale trader when he finally has the time to sit down.
Owner Peter Nüchter is really proud of his goods
The firm’s service is characterized by speedy delivery in and around Duisburg, Düsseldorf and Wesel. Accordingly, he also has four vehicles to supply his customers. His assortment is diverse and Nüchter imports his goods directly from abroad. "Most products come from Italy, France, Spain and the Benelux. As winter is approaching, nectarines are next in line.”
Anyone asking around will meet few traders who will tell a positive story. Nüchter does not avoid any difficult topics either. "We are clearly dealing with unequal competition, especially from traders who travel to the Netherlands or the Niederrhein region to buy cheap products, but who do not charge labour or any other costs. This way the market simply gets destroyed."
In addition to unfair trading, companies are also affected by the steady development of direct delivery. Nowadays there are hardly any supermarkets or other large chains left which are buying from wholesale market traders. However, Nüchter has a loyal clientele of smaller stores such as snack bars, hotels, buffet kitchens and sandwich stores. "We are delivering lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes for sandwiches-to-go, for example."
The warehouse of the Willi Nüchter company
Health trend
In addition, Nüchter notes that the traditional German diet is in a state of upheaval. "There is a trend at the moment, with many people buying more and more healthy things. People are generally buying less meat and more vegetables. I myself am trying to have a more healthy lifestyle and I am eating a more diverse diet.”
The wholesale trader confirms that this upheaval coincides with the steady expansion of his range of products. "We used to just sell iceberg lettuce, but now we also sell frisée lettuce and rucola. We have also started selling herbs such as rosemary and parsley." Nüchter knows that not everyone can afford these luxury goods. "Sweets and snacks are just cheaper than fruit, and you usually have to peel or slice fruit and vegetables."
The fruit and vegetables company as seen from the front
For more information:
Willi Nüchter
Inh. Peter Nüchter
Großhandel für Obst und Gemüse
Tel.: 0203 310353 / 0203 312715