INSIGHT
Sector leadership Approaching nearly 25 years of business, Gierlinger’s flexible, sustainability-driven ethos is unmatched – but there is plenty more still to achieve. ON POINT With three production plants in Europe, Gierlinger’s meat range delivers uniform quality standards. Hygiene and processing, married with modern systems and high delivery capacity, enable IQF (individual quick freezing) frozen fare, with a strictly monitored cold chain. “There is a collective desire to provide a customer-focused solution,” said Anthony Oates, senior national account manager, UK and Ireland. These come into play via key areas such as: Quality assurance: Consistently prioritising product quality has built trust with customers and ensured high standards across the business. ● Supply chain resilience: Diversifying suppliers and maintaining strong relationships helps mitigate risks in an unprecedented disruptive and volatile market. ● Product innovation: Staying ahead of consumer trends, with many new format options and end user-conscious products. ● Sustainability practices: Implementing eco-friendly practices not only meets demand but has also improved internal operational efficiency. ● Customer engagement: Building strong connections with customers through feedback and engagement has delivered loyalty and driven product improvement.
“To achieve this, we invest in the latest technology,” continued Oates. “People development in our factories has allowed us to improve efficiency and enhance production, benefitting our partners with the assurance that they have a knowledgeable and passionate team from idea conception to delivery. “Our ability to keep a pulse on industry trends has allowed for quick adaptation to changes in customer and consumer preferences, allowing the confidence that we have both short- and long-term solutions for our clients’ businesses.”
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Partnerships are everything in foodservice and Gierlinger has a proud history of building strong ones.
"Our factories take pride in not just production but also the customer they are producing for."
EXTRA MILE A trio of manufacturing plants helps keep the machinations well oiled. “Obviously, we are proud of our investment in state-of-the-art equipment and quality control systems and processes, but I think this is built on the empowerment and investment from the business into our people and leadership on a local level. “Our factories take pride in not just production but also the customer they are producing for, while everyone is
aware of the project they are working on. We invest in the local community and workforce to ensure they have a strong connection to the business and put that passion back into production. We are proud to offer things such as free staff meals on shift and childcare on site.” And the Sandwich and FTG arena is critical for Gierlinger. “We look to lead other sectors on trends, focus on innovation and ensure product differentiation in a highly competitive landscape. The flexibility and alignment with consumer needs delivers key components of our successful manufacturing strategy. I also think the sector leads the way in other key areas for us, such as sustainability and NPD.” While the latest Budget hardly invoked a positive response from foodservice/hospitality, Oates believes there are key areas that need addressing: “From our point of view, clearing up so much of the unknown around imports and regulation to help domestic and international supply chain and growth for all. “However, I do feel we are one of the most resilient industries. Ultimately, actions taken by the new government can significantly influence the trajectory of food manufacturing, and with support, there is potential for growth and recovery.” But Gierlinger’s trajectory is crystal clear. “Consumer sustainability expectations are very important to us and can significantly influence purchasing decisions. Expectations are not just a trend; they are reshaping the landscape. Manufacturers that recognise and respond are likely to thrive,” concluded Oates.
22 I www.sandwichandfoodtogonews.co.uk
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