The German fruit and vegetable industry is back in lockdown mode. Delivery and collection services are being resumed and wholesalers are opening their doors to consumers to compensate for losses from the catering industry. Früchte Braun LC, for example, is now opening its doors three days a week at its site in Kößlarn (Bavaria), in addition to the existing retail trade in Bad Füssing.
A look at the product range at the warehouse outlet.
"We now run a rustic warehouse outlet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at our location in Kößlarn," says sales manager Thomas Stütz. "We provide wooden crates for purchasing and the customers are then guided through our displays in a kind of parkour - it already has a certain charm," he laughs.
The first appointment took place yesterday, Monday: "We wanted to do this at the last lockdown, but then we decided against it. The virus was still very new and we were overwhelmed by the situation itself - and more anxious as well." Now that you know better what you're dealing with, the first attempts have been made. Now disinfectants and gloves are available and the fixed running path ensures that nobody gets in each other's way. Payment is contactless by EC card. Nevertheless, there are also people who still have inhibitions: "If you are afraid to go outside, you can also simply pre-order your purchase from us and then pick it up."
The full wholesale spectrum - and more.
At Früchte Braun warehouse, you can buy fruit and vegetables in increasing quantities, but also smaller volumes. The most popular are currently citrus fruits: "Clementines and oranges will probably be the biggest sellers until Christmas. In general, however, we have our full assortment for sale - from avocado to lemongrass, everything is available." In addition, there are some items that are less popular in the gastronomy industry, but are well received by the consumer, such as black radish, red and yellow beetroot, a selection of different types of peppers and dry goods.
"We now have to see how it goes. If the idea is well received, we might be able to continue the campaign after the lockdown. But the personnel effort is comparatively high, the displays have to be stocked and labelled." Currently, this effort is being taken over by existing employees: "There are departments that run a bit slower due to the lockdown. So we can still use everyone to full capacity, which is a great advantage."
For more information:
Thomas Stütz
Früchte Braun GmbH
Hubreith 10
94149 Kößlarn
+ 49 85 36 / 96 18 – 0
info@fruechte-braun.de
www.fruechte-braun.de/