Despite the steady increase of full-range producers on the German wholesale markets, one finds rather fewer wholesalers who have focused on mushrooms. On the Dortmund wholesale market, mushrooms are also available only in very limited quantities. Heinz Karstner - owner of the Gebr. Gottschalk company - is the only one with a distinct and varied mushroom range. This third generation family business has year-round mushrooms from all over the world in its range, including high-end varieties from China and Korea. With these unique breeds, the wholesaler succeeds in attracting a very mixed clientele of, among others, Turkish, Italian and Greek delicatessens and weekly market traders.
Owner Heinz Karstner in his warehouse
The diversity of the product range has increased significantly over the years, confirms CEO and third generation owner of family business Heinz Karstner, founded in 1922. In addition to an increase in Turkish products such as citrus and exotic, for several years the wholesaler has also been offering mushrooms from the Far East. “Because of gastronomic interest, mushrooms are now generally more common. In addition to Shii-Take, Kräuterseitlingen and common mushrooms, we also offer black trumpet and chestnut mushrooms from the autumn into March. These exceptional varieties are also in constant demand.” On the other hand, the usual varieties such as chanterelles and porcini mushrooms are marketed most in quantity, especially at Christmas. Not least because of the large price differences: a kilo of black trumpet mushrooms is about three times as expensive as Shii-Take.
The diversity of the product range has increased significantly over the years, confirms CEO and third generation owner of family business Heinz Karstner, founded in 1922. In addition to an increase in Turkish products such as citrus and exotic, for several years the wholesaler has also been offering mushrooms from the Far East. “Because of gastronomic interest, mushrooms are now generally more common. In addition to Shii-Take, Kräuterseitlingen and common mushrooms, we also offer black trumpet and chestnut mushrooms from the autumn into March. These exceptional varieties are also in constant demand.” On the other hand, the usual varieties such as chanterelles and porcini mushrooms are marketed most in quantity, especially at Christmas. Not least because of the large price differences: a kilo of black trumpet mushrooms is about three times as expensive as Shii-Take.
At present, the wholesalers source their mushrooms mainly from Eastern Europe, such as Bulgaria and Russia. Also, the company has small amounts of organic mushrooms from their own grounds in its range. Whether the product range of the company will expand more is still uncertain. Karstner: "We have been offering convenience food for a short time, but this is not lucrative at weekly markets. At the moment, however, we still offer pre-cut goods on demand.” Otherwise, according to the owner, the company is ready for the future. “The succession is already secured. My daughter and son-in-law will continue to run the business in a few years' time.”
For more information:
Gebr. Gottschalk
Heinz Karstner
Stand-Nr. 105 - 109
Heiliger Weg 60, 44135 Dortmund
Telephone: 0231-5570730
Fax: 0231-551697
E-mail:h.karstner@freenet.de
E-mail:h.karstner@freenet.de