“We sell everything that is currently not available anywhere else. From Dutch apples to mangoes, avocados and exotics,” said Heinz Hausmann, at 72 one of the oldest retailers on the Düsseldorf wholesale market. This fourth generation wholesale trader still enjoys his job. However, he also has his worries: about the future wholesale market, for example. “I prefer a market on a new property. Here there are too many specifications.”
Owner Heinz Hausmann and his granddaughter in the store
The Hausmann Fruchthandel GmbH assortment is characterized by variety. Apples are still available: “The Wellant is currently most popular. Of course we have all the usual varieties like the Elstar and the Boskoop.” The Elstar apples go for only 5 euros per 7 kg. Hausmann is also proud of his citrus range: “At the moment we have seasonal Severa lemons from Spain. The price fluctuates around 20 euros per 15 kg. We also have Italian herbs almost permanently available. We sell about 300 pallets of herbs per year.” Hausmann confirms that exotics in particular are not always top quality. These products then go to flea markets, while the top-quality goods are marketed to weekly marketers.
Continuity
According to the wholesaler, customer behaviour has changed completely. In the past you could predict sales to a point, but nowadays the wishes of the consumers change every year. In addition to this, it is difficult to compete with the supermarkets. Hausmann: "This has to do with the fact that many of the children of former experts such as growers and marketers have opted for the retail trade.” Hausmann himself has a granddaughter who is taking the special agricultural courses at the University of Venlo. She has not yet decided what to do.
Furthermore, the plans for the future wholesale market are currently a hot topic among the traders. Hausmann: “Personally, I prefer a place without too many specifications, where you can plan freely. The best option would be a marketplace set-up with points of sale all around.” Today's site is a bad location from a logistical point of view. “Here, the expeditors have to go through the city to reach us. In Venlo, for instance, the fresh food center is right next to the motorway.”
For more information:
Heinz Hausmann - Fruchthandelsges. mbH
Großmarkt Düsseldorf (Halle 4)
Tel.: +49 211 424161