Cologne wholesale closes: dealers are fighting for new perspectives!

Cologne wholesale closes: dealers are fighting for new perspectives!

Köln-Raderberg, Deutschland - in Cologne it rumbles tremendously in the vegetable box. The Cologne wholesale market in Raderberg is faced with the closure, which was decided at the end of 2025. For many traders, this means painful uncertainty because they have not found any alternatives. Helmut Röscheisen, board member of the federal government, sums it up: "We have to find solutions together to secure the range of regionally generated food." The federal government actively supports the dealers in the search for a new location, particularly crucial for the so important diet in the region.

The closure is not undisputed. Council resolutions that advance this development were criticized by many sides as insufficiently. The city's economic committee described this as hypocritical, while the city development director Andree Haack clarifies that the plans for the Parkstadt Süd, which are to be realized by 2032, are certain. Norbert Heep, Chairman of IG Kölner wholesale market, emphasizes the importance of trading places. "Up to 1,000 jobs are directly affected," he says.

looking for perspectives

The dealers turned to the Cologne-Business of the Cologne Business Development, but the support is perceived as inadequate. Kai Kröger from Cologne-Business reports that only a few retailers took the initiative. This increases the demand for an interim solution for at least five years from January 2026.

Some dealers, such as Nevzat Thaskiran, have fortunately found a new home in the "Cologne ABA Frischecentrum" in Gremberghoven, but for higher rents. The search for a large, joint moving location remains problematic. Unfortunately, an area of ​​at least 30,000 square meters that would be necessary for a successful move is not available.

urban development as a challenge

In the current urban development debates, there is not only talk about the future of the large market. The topic of housing and the creation of affordable living space is also on the agenda. Especially in growing cities like Cologne, the challenge is to accommodate the new residents and at the same time use the existing space sensibly. This is in the area of ​​tension of constant immigration and the associated demands for suitable habitats.

The city has a clear plan to establish the modern freshness center in Cologne-Marsdorf, but implementation can be a challenge. Workshops with representatives of the dealer community and the city administration should serve to develop successful structural planning. In addition, a Europe-wide market exploration is being planned to gain possible operators and to receive an overview of the market situation, as the city of Cologne in its message.

The closure of the large market in Raderberg calls for a rethink from the city. Innovative approaches are required to better use the opportunities that arise from immigration and the creation of new jobs. It will be exciting to see how Cologne will develop in the coming time, because the challenges are diverse and require a good hand of politics so that all residents and dealers can keep a piece of the "Cologne quality of life".