Organic food supplier Querfeld, known for rescuing misshapen fruit and vegetables, has been part of Gladrow GmbH & Co. KG since the beginning of August (FreshPlaza.de reported). Following the announcement of insolvency at the end of May 2025, the Brandenburg-based food wholesaler and organic supplier is not only taking over the brand and employees but also the vision. Customers in Berlin and Brandenburg can now expect rescued organic vegetables – combined with the proven Gladrow range.
"Querfeld has rescued over 2.2 million kilograms of fruit and vegetables on its own. Together, we want to further expand this impact," says Uwe Gladrow, who founded the company of the same name and handed it over to his son Falco more than ten years ago. The long-standing partner is not jumping in at the deep end – they have already been working closely with Querfeld for years in logistics and purchasing.
© Gladrow
For Manuela, Rico, Uwe, Falco, Frederic, Yana, and Veronika, sustainability is not a marketing ploy but part of everyday life.
From dairy farm to fresh produce specialist
Gladrow's roots go back a long way – originally starting out as a supplier of eggs and dairy products, the company found its way into the fresh produce sector around 20 years ago when it took over a supplier to daycare centers. Fruit and vegetables initially accounted for only 5–10% of sales, but today they make up around 20%. As it grew, Gladrow developed into a trading and logistics company with over 40 employees – family-run, regionally based, and certified organic.
© Gladrow
A shared philosophy, a new perspective
Querfeld is a perfect fit for Gladrow – not only in terms of content but also on a personal level. "Frederic and I had known each other for a long time; we had met repeatedly at trade fairs and events," recalls Uwe Gladrow. The insolvency came as a shock, but it was also a wake-up call: in the summer, Querfeld co-founder Frederic Goldkorn proposed the takeover. Two weeks later, the decision was made.
"Querfeld was much further ahead digitally, but the cultural match was immediate. After discussions within the family, it was clear: this was the right fit," Uwe Gladrow continues. The Querfeld brand will remain, as will the team. The collaboration with various small and large organic farms in Germany, France, Spain, and several other EU countries will also continue. The integration is currently taking place step by step in the background.
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Frederic Goldkorn and Sebastian Klass – onion harvest at Bio-Hof Klass
Sustainability with a system
Gladrow has been committed to regionality, fair trade, and resource-saving logistics for years. During the pandemic, this is precisely what saved the company's existence – unlike many of its competitors. Five years ago, the company invested in a 2,000 m² photovoltaic system, which also supplies neighboring farms. In 2022, the company was nominated for the 'Brandenburg Future Prize' and took second place.
"For us, sustainability is not a marketing ploy but part of our everyday life," says Uwe Gladrow. Fairtrade bananas, zero-waste approaches, and close cooperation with certified producers are firmly anchored in everyday life. The integration of Querfeld is therefore not only an economic step but also a logical one in the further development of the company's own values.
© GladrowGladrow GmbH's 'Brandenburg Future Prize' team
Challenges in the fresh produce sector
Despite positive developments, the fresh produce sector remains under pressure: rising energy and logistics costs, volatile demand, and extreme weather conditions are putting strain on the entire supply chain. Organic products in particular are coming under price pressure – even though quality standards remain the same.
"The balancing act between fair purchasing, price stability, and quality is becoming more difficult. With Querfeld's concept – especially the marketing of B-grade goods – we can cushion this conflict somewhat," explains Frederic Goldkorn. "After all, purely visual defects say nothing about taste or quality."
© Gladrow
The new duo celebrated their first joint appearance at a women's soccer match between Union Berlin and Real Madrid: the Gladrow and Querfeld logos lit up together on the LED board – a visible signal for sustainability, diversity, and team spirit.
Strong together for the future
Querfeld remains independently active outside Berlin – with the same team, the same mission, and now stronger support. In the capital region, customers benefit from a combined delivery structure: rescued organic vegetables meet Gladrow's wide range of products.
For more information:
Gladrow GmbH & Co KG
Zülowstraße 5b
15749 Mittenwalde
Uwe Gladrow
Phone: +49 (0)30 63313409
[email protected]
www.gladrow-online.com
Frederic Goldkorn
Phone: +49 (0) 30 340 603 470
[email protected]
https://www.querfeld.bio/
