Company passion translates into hefty profits
VION Group, an international food company, is racing along on the fast track with 81 million euros ($114.3 million) in net profits last year, an increase of 17 percent year-on-year.
Its turnover stood at 7.4 billion euros ($10.44 billion) in 2006, increasing 18 percent over the previous year.
The company attributes its robust growth to a strong focus on the strategic pillars of operational excellence, product leadership and sustainability, which has in turn led to cost reductions, further improvements in quality and an increase in added-value products.
The driving force behind all this is the company's passionate aim to develop innovative solutions for today's market, ranging from top hygiene and processing standards which results in longer shelf lives, a delivery-time shortening logistic competence to complete well-balanced nutritional meals.
"All our business operations are dominated by a unique passion: commitment to our common goal - as reflected in our motto 'passion for better food'," said Peter Beckers, chief strategic officer and member of the executive board.
"We are not content with what we have achieved so far. We are in a continuous process of development - with a clear focus on the future," Peter Beckers said.
Few companies are as well positioned as VION to meet future market requirements, especially in its expanding market sectors Fresh Meat, Convenience Food and Ingredients.
"Focusing on future market helps us face future competitive scenarios with complete confidence and assures our suppliers and customers that they are allied with a leading partner," Peter Beckers stressed.
"We are and will remain totally committed to our joint development and progress, with the ultimate aim of producing better foodstuffs and thus ensuring even greater customer satisfaction."
As one of the world's leading fresh meat provider, VION regards "operational excellence" as key to the smooth operation of its global supply chain.
The central positioning of its Fresh Meat division in the supply chain and an extensive distribution network make VION better positioned to make a rapid response to market changes and customers' needs.
This ensures that pig and cattle farmers involved in a supplier relationship with VION are aware of the market. Thus VION can provide its customers with high quality raw materials and end products which dovetail with market needs.
Food safety, product quality and cost leadership are also valued as the foundations for success and long-term collaborative relationships with customers.
"We foresee great opportunities in collaborating with sizable Chinese partners to develop especially a successful pork-based product portfolio," said Peter Beckers.
China is an important growth market for VION, according to Peter Beckers.
Not only is China the biggest producer of animal blood in the world, but potentially it is also the largest market for plasma powder worldwide.
So far VION has established its presence on the Chinese market with two ventures Rousselot and Sonac.
(Shanghai Start 09/28/2007 page2)
