In many places, well-established, owner-managed wholesale market companies are finally closing their doors after a hard struggle to remain alive. But for Nuremberg firm Burger Fruchtimport - based at the local wholesale market - every night is still about high stakes. Despite the increasing challenges for medium-sized companies, the third-generation family business is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
January and February are traditionally quiet months in the fruit trade, on the Nuremberg wholesale market as well, confirmed Klaus Burger. He currently runs the company, together with his cousin Thomas. "What tends to sell well in the cold season is smooth parsley and colorful salads from Italy and Spain. At the moment, we can supply our customers, because there are no supply bottlenecks in this product segment."
The logo on the façade of the wholesale market box still recalls its 80th anniversary. This year, the family business will celebrate its 90th anniversary.
Transport costs as an overarching problem
In addition to the seasonal fluctuations in the fruit trade, however, the committed wholesaler sees an overarching problem in today's industry. "The transport costs and the motorway fees are gradually increasing. On the other hand, food prices in Germany tend to remain rather low," explains Burger.
With Klaus (l) and Thomas Burger, this is already the third generation to run the family business.
Convenience is growing fast
Because of the current framework conditions, it is clear for the Nuremberg wholesaler that supplying retailers is hardly worthwhile for wholesalers. "For us, wholesale is almost gone, so in recent years we have been focusing more and more on commercial restaurateurs and bulk consumers." In the face of current social trends, it is bound to evolve the range in order to remain competitive in the future. "The demand for fresh cut products and convenience foods is growing rapidly. We too have been offering such products for several years now." Despite the rapid changes in retail, the long-standing retailer still says he enjoys his work. "I still do it with passion. Nothing has changed in that sense."
For more information:
Fritz Burger GmbH & Co. KG
GF: Klaus und Thomas Burger
Leyherstr. 107
90431 Nürnberg
Tel: 0911-313119
Fax: 0911-317543
[email protected]
www.burger-fruchtimport.de
