Pomuni, the «most reliable supplier» of fresh & frozen potatoes

With the introduction of its 3 packing stations and their entire supply chain, the company run by the fourth generation of the Muyshondt family aims to become the most reliable supplier of fresh and frozen potato products in Western Europe. “We are now at the stage of rationalizing our fresh packing activity and the supply chain to the packing stations,” explains their managing director Hans Muyshondt. Heavy investments have been made at Pomuni Trade in Ranst, Pomuni Fresh in Thorembais-les-Beguines and Pomuni France (near Dunkerque). After the acquisition of the 2 packing stations in Wallonia and France in 2010, Pomuni started an integration process at each level of the supply chain. The family company organized a large variety fair for the first time with the participation of all the producers and customers, with demonstration of all the varieties being tested or produced. Dirk Cornelis, growing and procurement manager: “We are ready to achieve 100% satisfaction among our customers, providing constant quality at superior standards.” All the farm contracts are concentrated in 2013, the management of the stock is also now unified and the 3 packing stations are constantly audited in order to improve any critical point. 
“Today we are able to supply new customers in other markets with complete uniformity and the highest quality standards.” Most Pomuni customers have been dedicated on a long term basis, some of them for more than 40 years. “We already supply our specialties to German, British and Nordic customers.” All formats can be delivered, from 1kg to 25Kg. At the same time, Pomuni innovates on the domestic market with new attractive packaging, giving the product better visibility and transparency. Every item is supplied with the customers’ desired guarantee of quality standards. The company is IFS and BRC certified to a high level, and all of its contracted farmers comply with the GlobalG.A.P. standards.
“We give great emphasis on local produce, which is more sustainable and comparable in quality with the best qualities grown in France.” Pomuni also continues to position itself as the top Belgium potato importer, with a 50% participation at Primimport, specializing in trading in early potatoes from Mediterranean countries like Israel, Cyprus and Spain.  The company annually trades in 220,000 tonnes of washed and packed potatoes, as well as frozen products from mashed potatoes like pommes duchesses, pommes noisettes, croquettes, waffles and smilies. “We supply nearly all the Dutch and Belgian retail chains,” says Hans. 
“To increase our position in sourcing, we also work closely together with breeding companies like HZPC, Meyer, Agrico and others. Strategic partnerships also are important in seed potato varieties. In order to improve our reliability for our customers, we sometimes multiply dedicated varieties. “For example, we have been doing this with Exempla for more than 10 years,” explains Dirk. Exempla is a firm seeking variety, with slightly higher dry matter than the standard firm skin variety, with a specific taste.  PE