Wholesale Market for Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers - History

The origins of the wholesale market can be traced back to the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1916 a new victuals wholesale market was to be established in Vienna. Since there was no decision for a definite location, the vaulted area of the River Wien near Naschmarkt, a popular Viennese fruit and vegetables market, was chosen as provisional location. As there was no direct railway connection, mainly domestic fruit and vegetables were sold at the market. Goods from abroad were sold at the cargo railway station Matzleinsdorf, which was not intended for such purposes and did not have the necessary infrastructure.

This provisional solution had existed for over 50 years when the decision was taken to establish a wholesale market for fruit and vegetables in the south of Vienna, in Wien-Inzersdorf. At the same time, the Flower Market which was previously held at Phorushalle, a market hall in the 4th district, was also moved to the same area.

The new market was thus established on an ideally located plot of land covering 400,000 square metres. The costs amounted to approximately EUR 29 million. Construction began in April 1969. Different types of market stand areas with and without railway access, three sales areas for agricultural products (Landparteienplätze), a building for the customs office and Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), a weigh bridge and an administrative building were established for importers and wholesalers. All buildings are made of pre-fabricated components. Already on 26 November 1969 the 3,500 square metres sales area for the wholesale of flowers ("flower hall") opened. The inauguration of the entire area of the wholesale market Wien took place on 30 October 1972. In 1987 the flower hall was extended to approximately 6,400 square metres.

© Photos: MA 59

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Food Inspection and Market Authority (Municipal Department 59)
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