Strategic Partnerships and Innovative Technologies Drive Growth
Oldenburger Münsterland, GERMANY – Vakuum Food & Co, a pioneer in the production of potato and vegetable crisps, is making significant strides in expanding its market presence and product offerings. Co-managing director Andre Tombült highlights the company’s recent successes and future plans amidst a dynamic market environment.
Specializing as a private label manufacturer, Vakuum Food processes raw materials from various partners into healthy crisps using state-of-the-art vacuum frying technology. This innovative approach ensures that chips retain their natural color, contain lower levels of acrylamide, and are lower in fat, fried at just 110 degrees Celsius compared to the standard 160 degrees Celsius. The integration of PEF technology from regional partner Elea Ltd. further enhances product quality by creating a smoother surface and reducing frying time.
“Our products are well-received across local food markets, health food shops, and farm shops,” Tombült explains. “We’ve seen positive feedback and repeat purchases in all sales channels, testament to our commitment to quality and innovation.”
Despite challenges such as rising logistics costs and fluctuating raw material availability, Vakuum Food continues to innovate both in production and marketing. Strategic partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Munich-based start-up Best Foodies and successful tests with locally sourced chickpeas, have opened new avenues for growth. A notable highlight includes securing a listing at Billa following increased brand awareness from a television appearance on Austria’s equivalent of ‘Höhle der Löwe’.
“Our vegetable crisps, including sweet potato, beetroot, parsnip, carrot, and mixed varieties, are gaining traction with consumers seeking healthier snack alternatives,” Tombült adds. “While there are challenges in convincing customers due to previous experiences with vegetable crisps, we are overcoming these hurdles through education and customer engagement.”
Looking ahead, Vakuum Food aims to further diversify its product range and explore opportunities in the catering and hotel industries. The company’s focus on sustainable growth and quality assurance underscores its commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences and industry standards.