Tenhaef Obst- und Gemüsemarkt GmbH moved to the new site in Xanten-Birten four years ago after a major fire at the old site. Now the ambitious owner, Joachim Tenhaef, is expanding his current capacity significantly. Because in about three months, the brand new hall (around 1,000 m2) will be built on the same site, after which the total area will amount to about 2500 m2. After achieving this new milestone, the company is "ready for the next generation," says Tenhaef in an interview with Freshplaza.
View of the current premises of Tenhaef Obst- und Gemüsegroßmarkt.
Currently, berry fruits of all kinds are in the spotlight at the production area of the wholesale market. Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, but more unusual varieties -some from the region- as well, arrive at the camp daily, explains Tenhaef. In addition, apples are in constant demand with the company's diversified clientele. "We are now waiting for the first summer apples of the new harvest, which are expected to arrive gradually from the beginning of August. At the moment we are supplying the Elstar, Braeburn and Rubinette varieties from the old harvest, and the seasonal offer will be rounded off with additional imports from New Zealand of the Braeburn and Gala Royal varieties."
Proud owner Joachim Tenhaef shows the last regional rhubarb of this year's season. Another seasonal specialty are regional cherries, which are freshly packaged in 500g small bowls on site and are then transported directly to Tenhaef. This service is also well received, explains Tenhaef.
Daytime operation as a unique feature
At the moment, the wholesaler employs 24 people and serves a mixed circle of customers within a 100 km radius. "Our company is still seeing a steady growth. We are already established among regional street vendors, but gastronomy is still a developing area," comments Tenhaef. Despite its proximity to several hypermarkets in the Rhine-Ruhr region, there is no talk of competition: "Our unique feature is the day-to-day operation. In other words, our fresh produce is delivered by 2 pm,being immediately available to the customer. On the one hand, our goods are about 10 hours sooner at the customer's than those of other wholesalers and this means they remain fresh. On the other hand, modern wholesale customers have no desire to buy goods at night."
View of the current state of the new building: In about 3 months, the new operating hall is to be ready.
View of today's production area. The new construction will increase the space of the facility from about 1,500 m2 to 2,500 m2.
Increased demand for fresh-cut
On the part of the major supplier, day-to-day operations offer a third, not unimportant, advantage, says Tenhaef. "In contrast to those who work with night shifts, we hardly have any problems finding suitable workers." Despite today's success, Tenhaef is constantly thinking about the future. Because standing still is disastrous in the modern fresh trade, the experienced professional knows. "We are seeing an increased demand for sweet lettuce and fresh-cut products, especially from the catering industry. In the course of this I could imagine that in the long term we will also open our own production facility."
Glance into the company's cold store.
A delivery vehicle of the company: approx. 70% of the goods turnover is delivered.
For more information:
Tenhaef Obst- und Gemüsehandel GmbH
GF: Joachim Tenhaef
Birtener Ring 1
46509 Xanten-Birten
Tel 02801 988 20 09
Fax 02803 84 76
bestellung@tenhaef-xanten.de
www.tenhaef-xanten.de