A E P O R U E Nfood s p e c i a l 1/2017 www.european-food.com 1 www.european-food.com www.european-business.com A E P O R U E A E P O R U E Nbusiness Nfood

CONTENTS GROCERY PRODUCTS Legumesure BVBA Eliminating waste with grown-to-measure vegetables Froosh Fruitive missions and visions FISH & SEAFOOD Zordel Fischhandels GmbH Big fish in the Black Forest NUTRACUTICALS Helsinki Mills Ltd The power of pure grains MEAT & POULTRY Chevideco NV In quest of equivalence 4 6 7 8 10 CONFECTIONERY Cavendish & Harvey Confectionery GmbH Success is sweet 12 DAIRY PRODUCTS Pomurske mlekarne d.d. Recovering dairy treasures FOOD PACKAGING Werner Kenkel Spółka z o.o. The perfect package FOOD TECHNOLOGY SIMON SAS Coming back to butter ICF & Welko S.p.A. Turnkey process engineering 14 16 18 19 IMPRINT Publisher: International Business Verlag GmbH Address: Landersumer Weg 40 · 48431 Rheine · Germany Phone: +49 5971 92161-0 · Fax: +49 5971 92161-854 info@european-business.com · www.european-business.com Editor-in-chief: M. Brinkmann 3 www.european-food.com A E P O R U E Nfood

 A&D Naenen grows its tomatoes in 5 ha of greenhouses in Boechout, near Antwerp Legumesure supplies up to 1,250 t of tomatoes each year for food processors which offers lots of potential for future growth. However, that is not the all-important measure of suc- cess for Mr. Naenen. “We do not want to expand purely for the sake of growing,” he said. “We want to serve the clients that we are able to serve well, those who can opti- mize their business through what we do. If we can’t provide added value to someone’s business, then our product would probably be more expensive than he can find firms which provide toppings for effective. Our clients do not need past five years with uniform-sized elsewhere.” Steady, organic growth pizzas and snacks. Its produce is special varieties of tomato. They tomatoes, the company is now in the right direction is key for perfect for any situation where a simply demand a constant supply looking to expand its activities to the success of Legumesure. “Ten fixed size and measured amount of a single product. 30% of our include other vegetables, such years ago, this niche market did of vegetables are required. “We work is in the greenhouse. 70% as eggplants, cucumbers and not exist. We want to continue to provide a very interesting niche is in the added-value service we bell peppers – any vegetables provide top-quality, unique service. service, helping our clients to provide by sorting the produce and in fact that can be grown in a We believe that reliability is a key standardize their processes so delivering the perfect tomatoes, greenhouse. “I have 30 years of factor, both in the product itself they have no waste, which enables exactly when they are required.” experience in growing vegetables and in our ability to supply our them to calculate their costs us- The service that Legumesure pro- in greenhouses. That is a hugely produce on time to tight delivery ing fixed prices for raw materials,” vides is indeed unique. “I am not important asset,” Mr. Naenen con- schedules. We pride ourselves on says Mr. Naenen. “Our produce aware of any other players in the tinues. is not the cheapest, but it is the market who provide a service such most efficient, and we make our as ours,” points out Mr. Naenen. The young company has clearly clients’ work easier and more cost Building on its success over the identified a niche in the market our ability to optimize our clients’ activities and will continue to build our reputation as a service pro- vider,” Mr. Naenen concludes. ❙ The company carefully selects varieties of tomatoes that meet the individual requirements of its food preparation sector clients Legumesure BVBA Lispersteenweg 71 2530 Boechout Belgium  +32 3 4544216  +32 3 454 0812  info@legumesure.be  www.legumesure.be 5 www.european-food.com A E P O R U E Nfood

Interview with Andreas Zordel, Managing Director of Zordel Fischhandels GmbH Big fish in the Black Forest It is one of Germany’s most scenic and picturesque regions – the Black Forest. However, it is not only a favourite destination for a perfect break surrounded by nature but also for enthu- siastic food lovers. In fact the Black Forest has the highest concentration of Michelin stars in Germany. The region is particularly suited to trout farming, so high-quality fish is served in most of the well-known restaurants. Zordel Fischhandels GmbH is a first-class address when it comes to fresh fish. Zordel’s concept is extremely suc- cessful. The group’s fish farms ac- count for 2.7 million EUR of sales, hotels and restaurants for 2 million EUR. “At the moment, the market is very dynamic,” states Mr. Zordel. “Demand far exceeds supply. Cus- tomers – hotels, restaurants and visitors – appreciate our fresh fish, especially boneless fish, and our distinct commitment to service. We see ourselves as service provid- ers – 365 days a year. This is what sets us apart.” Based on this phi- losophy, Zordel is keen to further grow – there are plenty more fish in the sea. “Expanding the busi- Located in an idyllic landscape – Zordel’s fish farms and restaurants are popular destinations What started as a hobby has be- company concentrating on special the technical part of the business ness could be an option,” says Mr. come a booming business. Zordel vehicle construction for live fish and develops vehicles for live fish Zordel. “Everyone is the architect is synonymous with ten different and we run a small snack bar. With transportation. 123 highly qualified of his own fortune. We always put companies, all of them run by six different fish farms and annual employees are Zordel’s backbone; the family and all of them deal- sales volumes of 400 t of fish we many of them have been trained ing more or less exclusively with are among the biggest players in in-house. “Quality always plays a fish. “My father was a passionate Baden-Wuerttemberg.” crucial role,” stresses Mr. Zordel. fisherman,” explains Managing “We have the all important certifi- Director Andreas Zordel. “In 1959, Following this dynamic develop- cations such as QZBW. Only two he started with a small pond and ment Zordel has become a group farms in Baden-Wuerttemberg turned his hobby into a profes- of ten successful companies: have this certification. Quality is sional business. Over time, we Zordel Fischhandels GmbH fo- also reflected in the fact that we regularly invested and established cuses on fish farming; Imbiss have established sound partner- new companies. In 1986, we ac- Waldhexe, Hotel zur Alten Mühle, ships with all the relevant authori- quired an old paper mill. Today, Hotel and Restaurant Zum Kloster- ties, and that we put great effort after extensive renovation work, it fischer are well-known for their ex- into creating transparency. Eve- is a very popular hotel and restau- quisite food offer; Zordel Fahrzeug- ryone is invited to have a look at rant. In addition, we established a bau und Fischereibedarf covers what we do at our fish farms.” 7 www.european-food.com quality first. In a nutshell, this is our key to success.” ❙ Zordel Fischhandels GmbH Eyachtal 1 75305 Neuenbürg Germany  +49 7082 60420  +49 7082 948386  forellenzucht@zordel.de  www.fischzucht-zordel.de A E P O R U E Nfood

Helsinki Mills Ltd Puurtajankatu 34 04440 Järvenpää Finland  +358 10 802829  +358 92 7169271  lhassan@helsinkimills.fi  www.helsinkimills.fi The company offers a broad organic range of flakes and grain-based products and redesign its milling process. Sun, which is well-known in Fin- labels, but conventional products commitment to environmental It was in these years that a move land. We have since then updated are still on offer. responsibility is another factor that towards diversification resulted in the brand, which has led to an is important for today’s consumer. new growth. The company even increase in sales for muesli and Today, the company employs a “Sustainability is in our genes. It introduced crispbread production. breakfast cereals,” says Mr. Kumlin. workforce of 80 people at its three starts with organic production, but Today, the broad portfolio includes “In addition, we have experienced production sites and generates a we have also implemented other flakes, porridge products, flours, strong growth in Finnish oat prod- turnover of 40 million EUR. “We environmentally friendly measures,” baking goods, brans, breakfast ucts, as not only here in Finland export about a third of our produc- points out Mr. Kumlin. “We use hy- cereals and biscuits. In the last but also internationally the demand tion. Export has seen excellent dropower from our own power plant decades two new subsidiaries in for gluten-free products is soaring. growth, as we are able to supply the and offer recyclable packaging Vaasa and Närpiö started operation We produce high-quality oats, and grain-based products that consum- materials. Organic production will to complement production at the we have established ourselves as a ers wants. It is essential to identify Järvenpää headquarters. major exporter of grain products, in the demand on the market. Our continue to increase in the coming years.” ❙ particular those based on organic key market is still Europe, but we “We have been working hard to Finnish oats.” Helsinki Mills sells a are present worldwide,” says Mr. raise consumer awareness for our high percentage of organic prod- Kumlin. Success is largely down products. Some years ago, we took ucts either under its own brands to export, organic products and over the muesli and cereal brand Helsinki Mills and Sun and private gluten-free oats, but the company’s The Vaasa oat mill is strong in oats, oat flakes and porridge products 9 www.european-food.com A E P O R U E Nfood

 Chevideco NV Transportcentrum LAR - P20 8930 Rekkem Belgium  +32 5640 4240  +32 5640 4328  info@chevideco.com  www.chevideco.com Chevideco supplies custom made horsemeat cuts to butch- ers, supermarkets, wholesalers and the meat processing industry Roast horse is one of those classic dishes that delight the palate anytime Chevideco employs 47 people in its headquarters in Belgium (above) and 52 people in Romania fair that our industry should suf- half of the seven million horses in six months for medication and so in constructive discussions and fer from animal abuse in another Europe are excluded. It also leads on to leave the horse’s body, after not be too sensitive to emotional industry,” he says. “We set up the to misery for the animals them- which owners can sell their horse arguments. “Our company is going project Respectful Life with inter- selves. “Horses are often excluded for slaughter. “All we ask and lobby on like we started generations ago: national stakeholders. Research- from slaughter for sentimental for is an equivalent approach. You passion engenders knowledge, ers at the University of Leuven reasons, and owners later discover see, horsemeat from outside of knowledge engenders increased are monitoring our entire chain.” that no-one wants to buy their Europe may be imported after their awareness. We listen to our clients Another political issues is that in horse if they can’t dispose of it in exclusion has been removed at and consumers, and want them to Europe, horses that are excluded a way they see fit. Many horses least six months before slaughter,” from slaughter at some point in are left without activities and with he states. After three years of lob- their life by someone, are excluded poor care,” Mr. Kemseke explains. bying, Brussels is aware what the for life. This leads to a huge waste He is in favour of the option to problem is. According to Mr. Kem- of high quality food, since about remove this exclusion and wait for seke, governments should engage be able to enjoy our products with a clear conscience.” ❙ 11 www.european-food.com A E P O R U E Nfood

Cavendish & Harvey Confectionery GmbH Carl-Zeiss-Strasse 14-16 24568 Kaltenkirchen Germany  +49 4191 50010  +49 4191 500133  info@cavendish-harvey.de  www.cavendish-harvey.de Frank Gemmrig: As a German com- as service stations, airport shops boiled sweets are generally sucked EB: Cavendish & Harvey celebrates pany our performance in our home and railway station kiosks. We are over a period of time. That is quite its 40th anniversary this year. How market lags behind that of other also embracing the possibilities of a drawn-out sweetness hit in com- will you be marking this event? markets. Our most successful e-commerce as a sales channel parison to other sweets that can markets at the moment are in Asia and are investing in supporting our be consumed much more quickly. Frank Gemmrig: We already held a and in particular China followed by brand’s online presence. In that sense they are actually a reception for our distributors at the Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Viet- fairly low sugar treat. By putting ISM trade fair in Berlin earlier this nam and Singapore. Australia, the EB: For a long time, fat was the di- our sweets in a reclosable tin, we year and we will be holding similar Middle East and North America are etary enemy. Now it is sugar. How are also making clear that they are events throughout the year. Forty all ahead of our European markets. do you think this will affect your to be consumed over time rather years is a significant landmark to While focusing on export, the Ger- business? than all at once. have achieved and it has only been man market took a hit in 2012 but, through launching new products Frank Gemmrig: I think that adults, as well as the classic round metal who are our main target group, boxes, it is recovering. We hope know that sweets are something to be able to recover lost ground to be enjoyed in moderation. I also through our expanded product think that the possibility to overeat range. Our brand enjoys a higher our products is fairly small. Our possible through the hard work of our employees and partners. It is them that we wish to thank throughout the year. ❙ level of market recognition abroad than at home but that is perhaps unsurprising given our traditionally English image. EB: What strategies are you em- ploying to raise brand awareness? Frank Gemmrig: We are working to freshen up our image and appeal to the younger generation with new packaging formats and products. In addition to the traditional tins, we have also adopted resealable pouches as a packaging option. These are widely available in ‘on-the-go’ retail channels such 13 www.european-food.com The traditional flavours are still the best sellers in a range com- prising 21 different flavours in all A E P O R U E Nfood

Interview with Robert Serec, General Manager of Pomurske mlekarne d.d. Recovering dairy treasures From riches to rags and back again. Any company which experiences hard times requires four key ingredients to recover: courage, strong leadership, top-quality products and a ready market for those wares. Pomurske mlekarne d.d., a dairy in Slovenia with a 70-year history, experienced just such a situation but has bounced back in an incred- ibly short period of time to become a successful supplier of pure and natural milk-based treasures once again. “In 2015 we were almost bank- of the best producers of butter in market, instead concentrating on rupt,” reveals General Manager the former Yugoslavia. We are also Bosnia and Macedonia, as well Robert Serec, who joined the com- renowned for our traditional quark, as Africa, Libya and Macau, and pany at that time to lead a financial for which we have 40% of the na- has recently taken its first steps in and business restructure, which tional market share.” With a focus China and Vietnam. By the end of has turned Pomurske mlekarne on both quality and price, all of the 2017, the restructure of the com- into one of the most profitable dairy’s produce is made in-house. pany will be complete, and it will dairies in Slovenia. “We have im- “We offer extremely good quality at be strongly positioned for further plemented a very clear strategy. top prices,” continues the General growth. “I believe we can increase In 2015 the focus was on survival, Manager. “We have some special our milk sales from 60 million liters 2016 was about stabilization, recipes, for example for ripening, today to 100 million liters per year. and in 2017 we are preparing for so that our products have a fuller We will also continue to improve growth. We turned a 6.4 million aroma and taste better. Our goods efficiency, and I predict we can re- EUR loss in 2014 into a 1.5 million are all natural and pure. We don’t duce costs by a further 30%,” Mr. EUR profit in 2015 and completed use artificial additives. Our quark Serec summarizes. One thing is all our compulsory settlements and cheeses are still handmade. certain: ‘Nature’s white treasures,’ within nine months. One key factor At the same time, we aim to con- as the company slogan says, seem was to reduce our portfolio to those tinually drive down costs and our products which were profitable. We use of energy so that we can offer set to continue their remarkable comeback. ❙ cut down on fresh products and fo- the best price-performance ratio cused on those with a longer shelf on the market.” life.” Today, Pomurske mlekarne’s core business is in UHT milk. It Pomurske mlekarne supplies both also supplies butter, quark and large and small supermarkets in two types of cheese: Emmental Slovenia, as well as schools and and Tilsiter. “We are number one hospitals. “We pass the audits of in Slovenia for butter production,” the big names with great results,” Mr. Serec points out. “We supply notes Mr. Serec. The company is 60% of the butter which is sold relatively small and therefore does Pomurske mlekarne d.d. Industrijska ulica 10 9000 Murska Sobota Slovenia  +386 2 5361212  +386 2 5221339  info@pomurske- mlekarne.si here, and we are known as one not compete in the vast European  www.pomurske-mlekarne.si A E P O R U E Nfood Pomurske mlekarne’s high-quality UHT milk is made with 3.5% fat for a creamy texture and rich taste The company specializes in two cheese types: Emmental and Tilsiter Pomurske mlekarne recently won five Big Gold Medals at the AGRA 2015 International Quality Assessment 15 www.european-food.com

The offset facility in Krzycko Wielkie, which contains highly advanced, large format offset machines that produce the highest quality in packaging This range in production capabil- products that needs to be pack- dioxide emissions by installing its ing of more than 40 people who ity, combined with willing adapt- aged. We focus on high-quality own power plant. Safety for cus- work closely with our customers ability, help Werner Kenkel to meet printing and fast-moving consumer tomers and employees alike is of for input. We maintain a standard the needs of its clients effectively. goods for food and drinks,” adds the utmost importance at Werner of very high-quality products and “We are proud of having all print- Mr. Grochowczak. Kenkel. ing technologies on the market, services,” Mr. Grochowczak high- lights. “We do not standardize our which allows us to offer the high- With such success and enormous Despite its massive plants and business. Instead, we focus on the est quality available. This ability output, it might be easy for en- more than 900 customers, Werner customer by being more flexible and access is what our customers vironmental factors to be put on Kenkel keeps business on a per- and making relationships more value most. They can use one the backburner. Werner Kenkel, sonal level. “We are very flexible customized.” This personalized technology, then change to an- however, has made eco-friendly and work closely with our custom- attention has caught the eye of other, depending on the market, practices a priority. The manufac- ers. We try not to be standard. We Werner Kenkel’s Polish customers, volume and their customers,” Mr. turer maintains several certifica- listen to customers’ demands and as well as international customers Grochowczak explains. Although tions, including the BRC (British personalize all customer relations. located in Germany, Scandinavia Werner Kenkel has the ability to Retail Consortium) certification, It can be challenging because and Benelux, whose numbers serve a wide range of industries, FSSC (Food Safety System Certifi- competition is really enormous. grow year by year. The company’s the company chooses to focus cation) and FSC (Forest Steward- Everybody is investing a lot, in- management aims to increase most of its production on one area. ship Council). Additionally, the cluding Werner Kenkel. We have exports, particularly to Germany, “There is a broad spectrum of company has reduced its carbon a large R&D department consist- which is Poland’s neighbour and already accounts for a large por- tion of Werner Kenkel’s turnover. Mr. Grochowczak is confident that Werner Kenkel’s strong roots and flexibility will help pave the way for the future. “We constantly follow the technology. We use the latest technology for manufacturing lami- nated offset printed packaging as well as high-quality flexo and digi- tal printing,” he underlines. ❙ The expansive flexographic plant in Krzycko Wielkie, which produces packaging that utilizes standard flexo postprint, high-quality postprint and flexo preprint technology 17 www.european-food.com A E P O R U E Nfood

erpabsnslyt Interview with Roberto Grisendi, Food Division Manager of ICF & Welko S.p.A. Turnkey process engineering For years, globalization has meant the steady migration of production plants and the associated jobs from Europe to low wage economies in developing countries. Now a reverse in this trend is becoming noticeable. For companies such as ICF & Welko S.p.A., which specializes in the production of process engineering plants for the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, this development means the opportunity to focus on markets somewhat closer to home.  Direct contact with customers at international trade fairs is a key part of ICF & Welko’s growth strategy company supplies complete plants from receiving station right through to the packaging machinery for the finished product. To communicate its competences to a wider audience, ICF & Welko relies on attendance at interna- tional trade fairs. Key amongst these is the Anuga in Cologne. An agglomerator unit for producing cocoa powder “This is the most important food “We are definitely seeing a rise in ing behind the restructure was to upgrading its product range with interest from countries that have strengthen our activities in the food regards to the efficiency, safety up until now imported the products sector and grow sales,” says Mr. and environmental sustainability of made with our machinery from Grisendi. “Our strongest growth its process equipment. “We have producers in China or elswhere,” is currently in Southeast Asia and also introduced new 3D planning says Food Division Manager Rob- Russia, but we are also active in software that helps us both in the erto Grisendi. “They are looking France and Spain and have just design stage and the sales process at the geopolitical situation and started up in the US market. We by helping clients visualize exactly making moves to bring production also want to target the German how our plants will fit into their pro- capacity home.” Exports account market, which has been relatively duction process.” The company for 100% of sales in the Food Divi- quiet for us in recent years.” specializes in the design and pro- sion of ICF & Welko, which was duction of drying, granulation and formed by the merger of two com- ICF & Welko operates in a highly agglomeration units for the pro- panies that were each founded specialized niche which increas- duction of foodstuffs in powdered in the early 1960s. Last year, the ingly demands highly tailored, form such as milk powder, instant decision was taken to separate the custom-designed turnkey solu- coffee, cocoa powder and flavours. company’s activities into two divi- tions. The company is currently As well as individual units, the sions: one being food, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and the The company headquarters and production site in Maranello other ceramics. The food division contributes annual sales of six mil- lion EUR to a total group turnover of 40 million EUR. “The reason- 19 www.european-food.com trade fair in the world,” says Mr. Grisendi. “There is nowhere better to pursue our expansion goals for the future.” ❙  Read this article online webcode: 634 ICF & Welko S.p.A. Via Sicilia 10 41053 Maranello (MO) Italy  +39 0536 240811  +39 0536 240888  info@icfwplants.com  www.icf-welko.it/food A E P O R U E Nfood