The family business of Uralkaya GmbH supplies a wide range of customers and restaurateurs in the metropolitan area of Cologne. Senior manager Nayif Uralkaya has been present at the Cologne wholesale market since 1998, but even before his entry to the Cologne wholesale market, he was already self-employed. "In my professional life, I have always paid attention to product quality," says the experienced trader. "The network - of both suppliers and customers - has gradually expanded over the years." 
The Uralkaya company is also currently undergoing a generational change. Father Nayif will still continue to run the business for several years. His son Sertac has been working for several years.
Uralkaya's customers include ice cream counters and international kitchens within a radius of 50 to 60km. However, the market often changes "day by day", the owner notes, and thus the gastronomy suppliers must also react to the social trends. "Even among our customers, slowly but surely, a new generation is coming up, something that creates a demand for new products. We have to jump on the bandwagon. For example, in the last few years, rocket is in demand more and more, and edible flowers and sprouts are very trendy," says Uralkaya.
Senior manager Nayif Uralkaya shows two important gastro items: Pitahaya is currently being negotiated at 34-35 Euro / Colli. Gastronmers also pay good money for edible flowers.
Future & succession
A significant branch of the company are so-called gastro chains, store chains with several branches. In general, more and more is delivered instead of locally bought at the wholesale market. "Percentage-wise, currently only 20 to 30 percent are pick-up customers, the rest will be delivered," says Uralkaya. Despite the steady growth of his company and the loyalty of his customers, the moment he will retires is nearing. "If everything goes as planned, I will continue for a few years. In 2023, or when the relocation of the wholesale market is complete, I will stop. Whether my son Sertac will take over the operation is currently still unclear," Uralkaya concludes.
For more information:
Uralkaya Großhandel
GF: Nayif Uralkaya
Marktstr. 10
50968 Köln
+49 221-3401001
info@uralkaya.de
www.uralkaya.de