The deal, which was announced four days ago, enables customers to benefit from an increased product range, economies of scale and greater supply efficiency thanks to boosted geographical coverage.
That’s according to a spokeswoman for KFI. “Both parties have different strengths, resulting from different raw materials in Switzerland and Germany, different technologies, customer know-how and regional expertise [for example, in baking recipes and taste],” she said.
The deal could especially build on research and development into taste enhancement, drawing on the benefits of Swiss baking expertise, clean label and healthy reformulation and technological, functional flours, she added.
Another core benefit of the move would lie in the two firm's ability to share knowledge and insight, she said. “We are now both partners of our open innovation network: exchange of ideas, products, product development, marketing concepts and market research.”
KFI would be able to buy specific Swiss ingredients for the German and international market, enabling the company to extend its reach in all its principal European markets, she said.
Kampffmeyer’s core product areas are whole grain flours, high protein hamburger buns and durum wheat for foods such as ready meals, dairy products, baking ingredients and snack foods.
Meyerhans is a family-run milling outfit, producing high quality grain-based human and animal food from sites in four locations across Switzerland and 120 employees. Its manufacturing plants are characterised by high environmental standards. Its Villmergen plant, for example, processes steam from biomass and Weinfelden produces 100% of its electricity using hydropower.
Meyerhans and KFI specialise in a wide range of applications, such as clean label, functional ingredients and tools, speciality flours and bespoke work with various customers.
Michael Gusko, KFI general manager said: “We are absolutely convinced that this collaboration will be successful. Due to its extensive expertise in grain refinement, application technology and customer support as well as its commitment to high quality standards, Meyerhans Mühlen is an outstanding partner.”
Diego Della Cà, chairman of the executive board at Meyerhans Mühlen, added:“Our exclusive collaboration with KFI will enable us to extend our portfolio in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Additionally, we look forward to expediting research and development in grain issues. Overall, our aim is to provide added value for our customers.”
