Over 50 years
experience
At Fruchthansa, we combine tradition and decades of expertise with advanced technologies to offer premium fruits and vegetables both locally and globally.
About us
As a family-owned business with over half a century of experience, we are committed to sustainable practices and taking comprehensive responsibility for both people and the environment. We provide a full range of services—from production and sourcing to delivery—fully tailored to meet our customers’ needs. Our approach is defined by simplicity, adaptability, and customer focus, reinforced by the use of the latest technologies and an excellent quality management system at our logistics center in Wesseling and at the source.

Our team
Fruchthansa is led by a third-generation team of four managing directors— Andreas Weidner, Dr. Lutz Krasemann, Daniel Grümmer und Timo Heep — who not only steer the company’s strategic direction but also tackle operational challenges with dedication. Their passion and commitment drive Fruchthansa forward, bridging tradition with modernity.
They are supported by a team of around 200 skilled employees, whose efforts are crucial in ensuring the daily supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. This team spirit and the contribution of each individual are central to our success and continuous growth. At our logistics center in Wesseling, we bring together all essential competencies—from warehouse and quality management to procurement, sales, marketing, IT, and customs processing.
At Fruchthansa, we combine tradition with innovation, driven by a passionate and responsible team shaping the future of fruit and vegetable supply.
Timo Heep
Fruchthansa’s story begins in 1957, …
… the year Europe’s first self-service supermarket opened in Cologne and the European Economic Community was founded. Ten years later, three major wholesalers at the Cologne wholesale market joined forces to tackle new challenges. The companies Christian Haessy, Peter Heep GmbH, and Grelinger & Co united under the name Fruchthansa. The name symbolically represents an alliance, inspired by historical and contemporary examples such as the Hanseatic League or Lufthansa.
Since its founding, Fruchthansa has constantly evolved, adapting to and shaping market changes.
The 1970s marked a period of expansion and consolidation, with a focus on overseas markets and tropical fruits, including the import of the first kiwi into Germany. In 1980, Fruchthansa became the first in Europe to introduce pre-packaged fruit, leveraging innovations like computer-controlled systems. Adapting to market dynamics, expanding internationally, and establishing professional quality control have defined the following decades, solidifying our position as a pioneer in the industry.

Our added value
Fruchthansa stands for quality, taste, product safety, and sustainability—fundamental pillars of our work at every step of the supply chain. Our careful selection and inspection of products, both at the source and upon arrival at our logistics centers, guarantee compliance with the highest standards. Fair and transparent relationships in all our dealings, combined with a strong commitment to responsible resource management, risk management, and sustainable production, define our approach.
Moreover, Fruchthansa plays a comprehensive role throughout the supply chain, taking personal responsibility for quickly and flexibly responding to challenges, particularly by proactively assessing and managing risks. This proactive management ensures that the supply and availability of fruits and vegetables are sustainably maintained.
Our commitment to these principles emphasizes the added value Fruchthansa offers: to be a reliable partner, leading in all aspects of the supply chain while keeping the well-being of both people and nature in focus.
Our strategy
Our corporate strategy is founded on a deep sense of responsibility towards people and nature, coupled with a passion for high-quality fruit and vegetable products. We strive to integrate our values into every aspect of our work, from production to trade.
We serve as an essential link in the fresh supply chain by combining our own production expertise with extensive experience in global sourcing. This enables us to respond quickly and flexibly to our partners’ needs while maintaining a close and sustainable connection to our products.
At the heart of our philosophy is a spirit of partnership and mutual respect, both in our relationships with partners and within our team. Promoting education, multilingualism, and trust creates a strong corporate culture, reflected in the long-term loyalty and dedication of our employees.
Through this strategy, we aim to further strengthen and expand our position as a reliable provider in the fresh supply by prioritizing quality, flexibility, and sustainable growth.