In Düsseldorf's Pempelfort district, fruit company Pempelforter Früchtehaus has been a household name for years. In a city that has a Rewe or Edeka supermarket on every corner, Andrea Ockenfeld and Theodores Arvanitidis’ small fruit and vegetables shop does quite well regardless. Their secret: fresh juices and lunch options of all kinds. “We sell a lot of Dutch produce.”
The selection of tomatoes is mostly Dutch grown
“Every morning at 2 o'clock I arrive at the local wholesale market to visit specific traders,” says Arvanitidis. “In addition, once a week I drive across the border to Venlo where I buy directly from the Staay-Van Rijn Group.” In his shop, he not only displays his food stuffs. There also is a dedicated counter where fresh fruit is squeezed on the spot; their ‘mixed juices’. For as little as 2,80 euros customers get a 0.3 liter tumbler of juice from any combination of fruits. And last but not least he also offers a lunch menu, which is altered weekly, filled with fresh vegetables.
Employee Christian Ockenfelds is always available for customers
After a long career in packaging design, Arvanitidis got the opportunity to take over the fruit and vegetable business in 2015. His wife was already working in the industry. Having worked two years in this business, he is mainly positive. “Basically we have a loyal, friendly clientele and we can make a decent living. But the fruit and vegetables industry has been infiltrated by big discounters like Edeka and Rewe, who have taken over almost everything. Currenty, competition is very strong.”
The displayed goods in front of the fruit company
The fruit and vegetable shop even caters to people with allergies
Despite this unfair competition, regulars are prepared to drive a few more miles to shop at this fruit business. Arvanitidis: “We also have regular customers from outside the city. One couple in particular drives over every week to buy fresh produce from us. They just want to have guaranteed fresh products.” The retailer does not rule out that he will be introducing something new very shortly. “There is always room for new products.”
The fruit assortment contains apples, grapes, kiwis and many citrus fruits
For more information:
The fruit and vegetable shop even caters to people with allergies
Despite this unfair competition, regulars are prepared to drive a few more miles to shop at this fruit business. Arvanitidis: “We also have regular customers from outside the city. One couple in particular drives over every week to buy fresh produce from us. They just want to have guaranteed fresh products.” The retailer does not rule out that he will be introducing something new very shortly. “There is always room for new products.”
The fruit assortment contains apples, grapes, kiwis and many citrus fruits
For more information:
Pempelforter Früchtehaus
Inh. Theodores Arvanitidis
Inh. Theodores Arvanitidis
Sternstrasse 61 a
40479 Düsseldorf
+49 211 41663056