For over 80 years, the wholesale market on Ulmenstraße in the northern part of Düsseldorf has been in operation. By the end of 2024, it will close its doors. This marks the end of an era for many traders. "Under no circumstances do I want my company to be shut down, both emotionally and financially. It would hurt a lot, even though it might seem like the easiest option right now. But I can't run a wholesale market by myself; it requires a collective effort," says Hans Peter Deutschmann, CEO of Karl Klees Ltd. However, he remains hopeful that an alternative will present itself. "It means a lot to me, which is why I'm putting so much effort into this. Even if the mayor thinks the wholesale market is outdated. But our services are needed everywhere fresh goods are required. And the traders don't want to leave. It's like tearing a piece of our home away from us."
Wilhelm Andree and Hans Peter Deutschmann during FreshPlaza.de's visit to the wholesale market in January 2023.
Wilhelm Andree, from the company of the same name, is a stalwart of the trading community and has been working at the wholesale market for 55 years. "The wholesale market is a sales icon, a tradition, and a necessity. If they cut off our water supply, it's all over. The city has been frustrating us for nine years now – and we've been fighting since then. When the entrance gate was torn down, I cried. You become attached to the place, you've made your money here. I feel anger and incomprehension. It can't be true. How many livelihoods will be destroyed? What happens to the goods? I've said before that the wholesale market will close over my dead body. I'll protest as long as possible. It makes me so angry, I have to watch my pacemaker."
For more information:
http://www.klees-fruit.de/
https://www.andree-gemuese.de/