Near the Duisburger Grossmarkthalle, somewhat hidden in a side street, you can find AS Fruits & Vegetables. Since the beginning of 2016 Turkish entrepreneur Ali Savi has been marketing his goods: all kinds of fruit and vegetables, but also herbs (parsley, rosemary) and exotic fruits. The experienced dealer even has a banana ripening cell next to his storage rooms. "Bananas and tomatoes are our top-selling products: we buy green bananas from Holland and let them ripen here," says the entrepreneur's cousin and proud employee Mr. Ogretmis.
The cousin of owner Ali Savi shows the ripe tomatoes
Word of mouth
After a long career on the weekly markets in Duisburg, Savi decided to chose the wholesale market. There was however no room for a large company with two refrigerated warehouses in the wholesale market hall. That is why the dealer moved a small distance away onto some established business premises. Although he already had a loyal clientele from the wholesale market, it was initially difficult to survive. Ogretmis: "At the moment we are very satisfied, although the competition is particularly fierce, especially with exotics such as kaki and pomegranate."
Savi’s customers are mainly caterers and Turkish supermarkets from all over the city. In contrast to most of his competitors, he has already embraced social media. "We have a lively Facebook page and we are constantly making advertisements. Of course we are also dependent on word of mouth."
Tomatoes are among the top products of the Duisburg trader
Tomatoes
Despite the tough struggle with the competition, the family company can look back on a successful business year. Tomato prices, for example, have more than doubled since April. "Within four months, prices have risen from 3 to around 7 Euros per 5 kg, and they will certainly rise even further!"
For more information:
AS Obst & Gemüse
Inh. Ali Savi
Auf der Höhe 63
47059 Duisburg
Tel. +49 171 14 09 704