Training, cultural understanding and evidence of high product quality are crucial factors for success in an industry where there are almost limitless opportunities for Danish companies.
Export consultants and advisors from business incubators and the Trade Council of Denmark contribute useful knowledge when the German food industry is to be invaded. NTF-Aalborg has been focusing on exports to the German food market for many years, and after several years of hard work, participation in various export seminars and workshops and a sustained presence in Germany, the efforts are now paying off.
- Our share of exports to Germany is growing rapidly. In 2015, exports to the German food industry accounted for 10 percent of our turnover. This year, that figure has risen to 25 percent, which proves the necessity of a targeted effort to succeed south of the Danish border, says Key Account Director Jørgen Ravn from NTF-Aalborg, who points out that it is critical to have well-educated employees with in-depth cultural understanding.
- When you, like us, trade with the German food industry, it is an absolute must that our export salespeople have in-depth product knowledge, speak fluent German and, not least, comply with the unwritten rules of German etiquette for correct behavior. If you fail on just one of these points, you will never get the order, Jørgen Ravn continues.
NTF-Aalborg manufactures stainless steel equipment such as machine guarding, wire grids and wire baskets, shelf trolleys, meat hooks and skewers for heat treatment, cooking, pasteurization, freezing, thawing and smoking.
You must have the documentation in order
The food industry's stringent hygiene and cleanliness requirements are placing increasing demands on food producers. Listeria, salmonella and other bacteria can easily hide in corners and joints of production equipment, which has implications for food safety.
As a supplier to German food producers, it is therefore critical to be able to document the hygienic design of the products, which on the one hand contributes to higher food safety through, among other things, easier and more efficient cleaning of the production equipment, and on the other hand paves the way for a better and more consistent production of higher quality.
The products in the NTF program meet the food industry's strict requirements for hygiene and ease of cleaning, and work is constantly being done to optimize and improve the program of hygienic equipment for food companies. In addition, the products have a traceability that makes it possible to document high material quality.
NTF-Aalborg will be exhibiting at FoodTech in Herning in November, presenting a range of hygienic equipment for the food industry.