In large German cities they have become familiar: small Turkish green grocers. Global Market II in Bremen, owner Mehmet Bogatekin, is one of those stores.
On the outside, it seems like a typical greengrocer. But inside, that impression changes. Mehmet Bogatekin offers a lot more than just vegetables. On the shelves are a variety of lentils, cheese, sausage, beef, nuts and bread.
“We sell a wide range of speciality items not easily found in German supermarkets,” says Bogatekin. “That is why we get so many visitors. Most of them think all products are from Turkey, but this is not so. Many are produced right here in Germany. Take the Sucuk for instance, a spicy sausage made of lamb. It’s a Turkish delicacy, sure, but it is made right here.”
The Sucuk is just one explanation of why the Turkish groceries are so successful. So successful in fact, that Turkish specialities have become stock items at many larger retailers. Supermarket chain Kaufland has started selling them. According to Kaufland spokesperson Andrea Kübler, the items were supposed to accommodate Turkish customers, “but many Germans started buying them as well. They are increasingly popular.”