On February 22nd, the Bremen-based wholesale company NHD Fruchtimport had double reason to celebrate. The company's founder and CEO, Hüseyin Demirel Sr., marked his 35th anniversary at the local wholesale market. This special occasion was celebrated with long-standing partners and customers over drinks and food. At the same time, the expansion of the sales area was officially announced, as the acquisition of the former stand space of Purnhagen significantly expanded the capacity of the growing company.
Left: Hüseyin Demirel Sr. initially worked as an employee at the Bremen wholesale market, before taking the leap into self-employment in 2006 and founding NHD Fruchtimport.
Right: Eyüb Kahramann (NHD employee), Ali Derinalp (partner from Turkey), Serhat Köken (freight forwarder from Turkey), and NHD boss Hüseyin Demirel Senior
Exactly 35 years ago, on February 22, 1989, the father of the current CEO began his career at the Bremen wholesale market. From this base, NHD Fruchtimport GmbH was established in 2006. Over the years, the company evolved from a pure import and wholesale business into one of the leading suppliers at the local wholesale market, says Hüseyin Demirel Jr., the eldest son and current sales manager of the company. "By the end of 2022, we had already taken over the former stand space of Suhling, and with the acquisition of the former Purnhagen stand, we have once again expanded our capacity."
The three sons of the CEO are now also active in the company. From left to right: Kaan Demirel, Hüseyin Demirel Senior, Hüseyin Demirel Junior, and Can Demirel.
Another milestone in the company's history was the launch of its own brand, Demi, a few years ago. Under this label, numerous products from Turkey are now traded. Demirel: "These are not just standard items, such as Turkish tomatoes, zucchinis, or melons, but also exotic fruits like avocados and dragon fruits. The latter has even found its way into regional retail markets over the summer months, something we are particularly proud of. But even with a product like avocado, I see interesting potential for goods of Turkish origin. The market may be saturated in terms of year-round supply, but if the quality is right and we manage to offer the product at an attractive price, there is certainly a market."
Demirel also referred to the Turkish plums he distributed in large quantities last season. "2023 was quite a disappointing year for domestic producers in Germany regarding plums. Even in the Balkan countries, the quantities and quality were not as they should be. Accordingly, alternatives were sought, which benefited the demand for Turkish plums. I also believe that we can further expand this product segment and that Turkey can develop into an interesting procurement country for plums," Demirel further explained.
However, there have also been setbacks for Turkish cultivation, most notably the earthquake in Eastern Turkey in February 2023. "Complete production facilities were destroyed, especially in the area of fruit vegetables and pomegranates. The area expansions in the Antalya region were able to compensate for this accordingly."
The broad product range of NHD Fruchtimport. Nowadays, the family business supplies a growing number of retail markets in Bremen and Lower Saxony.
The management of the growing wholesale company is overall positive about the near future. "There are always new market and consumption trends. Over the last decade, the product selection of fruits and vegetables in the retail food sector has significantly broadened. The cuisine as well as consumer behavior are changing, and it is and remains our task to adapt to these changes accordingly," Demirel concludes.
Images: NHD Fruchtimport GmbH
For more information:
Hüseyin Demirel
NHD Fruchtimport GmbH
Bremen Wholesale Market
T: +49 162 6262717
info@nhd-gmbh.de
www.nhd-gmbh.de