Discover the Whole World of Baked Goods

Interview with Michael Brungs, Managing Director of IBIS Backwarenvertriebs GmbH

IBIS Surprise Baguettes
Hearty, substantial, simply delicious: Recipe idea for IBIS Surprise Baguettes

'Explorer-Baker': this is how the employees of IBIS Backwarenvertriebs GmbH describe themselves and their company. Quite rightly so, because its unerring instinct for discovering international baked goods for the German market has consistently been proven by IBIS in the past. Managing Director Michael Brungs talks with Wirtschaftsforum about the latest discoveries and the special IBIS spirit.

IBIS stands for international bakery specialties with a focus on French products. "In addition, products from Spain, Italy, and the Benelux countries also make up a large part of our assortment," says Managing Director Michael Brungs. The company, which employs 55 people, supplies 90% of its products to the German retail food industry.

Flair for special products

IBIS was founded in 1990 as a distribution company for international bakery specialties and was integrated into the French Norac Group in 2014. "This integration was a good and above all logical step, as Norac has been a production partner of IBIS from the start through various of its production plants and is now active worldwide," Michael Brungs reflects on the company history.

Michael Brungs, Managing Director of IBIS Backwarenvertriebs GmbH
Michael Brungs, Managing Director of IBIS Backwarenvertriebs GmbH

It includes numerous milestones, as IBIS has significantly shaped the German market in many respects: for example, in 1996, the company introduced the first original French milk rolls into commerce, which are today an integral part of every assortment.

IBIS - Range for the 2024 Summer Olympics in France
The range for the 2024 Summer Olympics in France
IBIS - Top 5
The top 5 of IBIS Bakery Sales GmbH

In 2010, IBIS achieved the same with the French stone oven baguette: 'Today, there are many who offer this product, where the French origin is not always emphasized,' says Michael Brungs. 'But we were the first to introduce it to the German market.'

Beyond the French product range, IBIS managed to bring a Scandinavian specialty, Fin Brød, to Germany in 2002, which enjoys great popularity today. 'Especially when talking about the original, we have a pioneering role with the mentioned products,' the manager is sure. With its slogan 'Discoverer-Baker', IBIS continuously meets the mark with its special instinct for new products for the German market.

Meeting Point: Trade Fair

At the International Confectionery Trade Fair (ISM), IBIS has had a regular spot for 30 years: 'This is indeed \'our\' fair, where we have been presenting ourselves for years with a very sophisticated and beautiful booth,' says Michael Brungs. 'This year too, we were delighted with a great response and the opportunity to maintain existing contacts and make new ones. It's just fun to sit face to face and discuss strategies, ideas, and concepts away from the daily business.'

IBIS Bread Dumplings
Recipe idea: Bread dumplings from the muffin tin with mushroom ragout – a dish that always turns out well
IBIS French Baking Art
Baked goods in all their variety, traditionally focused on French baking art: that's what IBIS stands for

This year, the company was also present for the first time at Internorga in Hamburg to introduce its new products: "Currently, we are dealing with very exciting innovations," reveals Michael Brungs. "With frozen products for catering and food service such as portionable cakes, brownies, and muffins, we have essentially entered uncharted territory and received a very positive response at the fair. Depending on how sales develop, this could become a second mainstay. Despite everything, we will remain true to our line, mainly presenting ourselves as a provider of French bakery products," emphasizes the managing director.

Perfectly Positioned Logistically

Logistics has always been an important area for IBIS. "We do not produce, but are purely a sales company," Michael Brungs points out. "Our production partners ultimately only need to produce. We organize logistics throughout Europe via our logistics partners. I think this distinguishes us from many other companies in our industry."

IBIS at Internorga
At this year's Internorga in Hamburg, IBIS was present with a booth for the first time
IBIS at Internorga
IBIS Backwarenvertriebs GmbH presented itself in 2024 with a booth at the ISM in Cologne

Important Tasks for the Future

For the future, IBIS has particularly committed itself to expanding its business areas: Especially the development in the new frozen products sector is to be advanced. Another important issue is staffing and ensuring capacity. "Both will continue to be an important task in the future, as the shortage of skilled workers does not pass us by," says the Managing Director. "Fortunately, we have many long-term employees who identify with the company."

He finds his work in an environment where one can make a big impact "extremely enjoyable," as he says. It is important to him to plan the corporate future prudently. "We have a special spirit at IBIS, the striving to achieve our goals together. Everyone is needed, everyone is important," he says. "My wish is that this remains."

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