In many places, wholesalers, 
and in particular the catering trade, are still suffering from the current Corona conditions. "For us, too, it continues to mean not having any perspectives," says Ingo Gutekunst (r) in a Facebook post. "My point is not to deny the existence of the virus, but rather to draw attention to the economic and overall situation in our industry."
For many long-established family businesses, Gutekunst says the situation is slowly but surely threatening their existence. "Will decades of hard work to build a company now be in vain? For us, it is time to take a stand. Because the situation is extremely precarious: A complete sales channel has simply broken off," Gutekunst explains.
Ingo Gutekunst
Restaurants and leisure facilities will have to remain closed until March 28. On March 22 at the earliest, depending on the seven-day incidence, further relaxations could follow, e.g. for outdoor gastronomy. Gutekunst: "Most restaurateurs have appropriate hygiene concepts in place. This means that both the outdoor and indoor areas of catering establishments can be opened without any problems in many places. Compared to supermarkets and schools, I think the catering industry is in a much better position."
View of the company's headquarters at the Munich wholesale market.
Wave of insolvencies
Some of its bulk buyers have opted for an alternative - such as to-go or delivery services. In practice, however, these stopgap solutions are hardly profitable, he said. "For the majority, these measures don't even cover the costs. Especially in upscale restaurants, delivery services or similar are not feasible," says Gutekunst, who also points to the changed purchasing behavior of his customers. "Special cresses tend to have zero demand, and the same applies to fancy exotics, radishes and other root vegetables."
A wave of bankruptcies is not yet completely obvious. "But I am convinced that a lot is being kept hidden. About a third of regional restaurateurs will eventually have to file for insolvency," Gutekunst predicts. "Munich lives from tourism, after all, and even if restaurants are allowed to reopen soon, they won't be able to generate the usual sales due to the requirements and restrictions. I could imagine that the consequences of the pandemic will still be felt for one to two years."
With mouth and nose protection, the Gutekunst team is on duty every day for its customers.
From the heart
He therefore appeals to Bavarian and national politics. "Whether this initiative meets with much understanding or not, I know I am speaking for many colleagues."
For more information:
Gutekunst Obst & Gemüse e.K.
Ingo Gutekunst
Großmarkt München
Mobile: 0176/23542834
E-mail: [email protected]
www.gutekunstbringts.de/
