Potato packaging
KPMB is the exclusive distributor of the products from the Spanish company CMSA. "We have become market leaders in the field of potato packaging in Belgium, supplying some popular proprietary formats. One is the M-Pack, a foil bag that stands up, with a window behind which there is a sealed net. The foil and net are not attached to each other, which results in greater speeds, as you do not need to go through both. It is available in either plastic film or paper packaging. Supermarkets demand more environmentally-friendly packaging and we also notice that consumers prefer them. This packaging format is ideal for products that need fresh air, such as potatoes and onions."
Fruit and vegetables
"KPMB also specialises in foil packaging bags for fresh-cut vegetables." These can be printed in high-quality and supplied with special laser perforations. We try to create a perfect atmosphere within each package through the interaction between nitrogen and oxygen, as each product requires a certain amount of ventilation. We also supply lidding film, paraffine paper and labels. An attractively printed packaging provides extra value to our customers, which is why we collaborate with a designer, but we ourselves are also specialists in the area of printing."
Making a difference with packaging
He said that it was certainly noticeable that last year was not a great year for a part of the fruit and vegetable sector. "But now we see that people are investing a lot in packaging. Our customers are increasingly aware about the fact that packaging is a tool to sell the product. Everybody nowadays grows good tomatoes, but the packaging can make the difference. Demand from supermarkets is also on the rise, and even discounters are focusing more on packaging. On the one hand, we explain to our customers what the market trends are, and on the other hand they come to us with their own questions. It is a nice interaction."
Customers
The company primarily serves the Belgian market. "Additionally, we supply a small part of northern France and the Netherlands." Competition is fierce. "We have a big advantage which is also a disadvantage. The advantage is that we can help customers throughout the entire packaging process, but the issue is that we have a specialised competitor for each stage. We do our best to convince customers to do it all with just one company and so far we are glad about being able to provide a full package."
New products
The owners find it important to regularly introduce new products into the market. "Over the past few years, we have introduced many innovations in potato packaging. Some of the new products are the foam tray, which we distribute in Belgium and the United Kingdom. This is now mainly used for fish and meat, but I also see a future for it in fruit and vegetables sector. The tray is made of foamed and crystallised PET, which makes it suitable for the oven. Because of the crystallisation, neither heat nor cold are conducted, and thus it can be taken out of the oven with bare hands.
We see a lot of potential here; the possibilities with fruit and vegetables are endless, from potatoes au gratin to full meals. "Another advantage is that the tray weights 30 to 40% less than a 'normal' aluminium dish; it is thus better for the environment." The product can potentially be used across all sectors.
Future
In the near future, Koen expects various developments in packaging. "People do not save from the appearance, but rather through other aspects, such as the weight. Energy-saving, light and environmentally-friendly forms of packaging will dominate in the future. Added value and outside-the-box thinking are the key words." With regard to biodegradable packaging, Koen is still reluctant. "Organic firms are not too keen on bio-packaging, as prices are usually very high." KPMB sees great potential in the fruit and vegetable sector. "There is still plenty of potential in fruit and vegetable packaging, and we aim to grow significantly in the coming years."
