Due to rising Corona numbers, once again there is the threat of a hard lockdown eastern Germany. Naturally, the current developments are keeping the market companies at the Leipzig wholesale market on their toes as well. The sales department of Hübler Fruchthandelsgesellschaft knows that renewed lockdowns would be catastrophic for the catering, hotel and communal catering sectors in particular.
The wholesale company looks after both a classic pick-up market in the central wholesale market hall and a delivery service for regional caterers and bulk consumers from its own distribution warehouse. "The classic wholesale market business in stand sales continues unchanged. At the weekly markets as well as in the specialized retail trade, we were even able to record higher sales than usual for a while, but in the meantime this increase in sales has nevertheless flattened out again somewhat," says Sascha Mehlhorn, buyer and seller at the company.
Loss of sales in the catering trade
At the same time, the company's deliveries are at minimal levels. "School meals are now slowly starting up again, but these are still nowhere near normal levels," says Mehlhorn. Meanwhile, the food service business continues to suffer tough sales losses. "We were already preparing to reopen the catering business, but the first order quantities have been cancelled again until further notice."
In terms of product range, the effects of the pandemic were also clearly felt, he said. "We have reduced our product selection accordingly. This means that we have completely discontinued certain articles - such as exotics and cresses - or only offer them on pre-order," Mehlhorn explains.
Unchanged procurement situation
On the other hand, the company does not see any major challenges with regard to the procurement of goods. "On the whole, the procurement situation has remained more or less the same. Currently, we are seeing a seasonal shortage of Spanish butcher's onions and sweet peppers, but there were similar supply gaps in pre-Corona times."
Restructuring the clientele
Despite today's challenges, the management of the traditional company, now in its fifth generation, looks to the future with confidence. "We have taken the opportunity to restructure our customer base. We will increasingly devote ourselves to areas that are now less affected by Corona, such as bakeries and butchers."
For more information:
Hübler Fruchthandelgesellschaft mbH
Sascha Mehlhorn
Zum Frischemarkt 1 A
D-04158 Leipzig
Tel: +49 (341) 35 52 01 00
Fax: +49 (341) 35 52 01 25
E-Mail: info@huebler-frucht.de
Internet: www.huebler-frucht.de