Bonduelle upgrades Russian production
Europe is installing a new production line in Timashevsk,
Russia to produce 83mm diameter food cans for Bonduelle, the
European leader in processed vegetables. The move is part of
Bonduelle's attempt to maximize production efficiencies and up
quality.
The cans are supplied to Bonduelle's new plant near Krasnodar, the original capital of the Kuban province, just 70km from Timashevsk. The 400-gram sweet corn and pea cans are now available in grocery stores throughout Russia and feature vibrant decorated ends for point-of-purchase appeal.
"The combination of Crown's local investment and global reach add to the marketability of our vegetables which are grown, packaged and sold in Russia," said Philippe Cohen, general manager of Bonduelle Russia. "Crown's local manufacturing of quality food cans has enhanced production efficiencies."
"Crown has made a strategic investment to support Bonduelle as they establish themselves in Russia where the vegetable market has grown 10 per cent in the past year," explained Olivier Aubry, Sales Director for Crown Food France. "In addition to providing advanced food can technology and extensive technical services, the proximity of Crown's new can production line to Bonduelle's plant in Krasnodar has simplified supply chain processes.
"Investing in a local facility close to the filling plant is the best way to improve flexibility, services and product deliveries," Aubry continued. "Efficient logistics and comprehensive technical services, with expert seaming support in particular, allow for high quality products and cost-effective cooperation."The cans feature decorated ends made with printed plate that are printed using Crown's off-line printing technology with colours that are said to reflect the freshness of the Bonduelle vegetables. High quality printing of the traditional Bonduelle foliage theme enhances brand recognition and protects the brand from counterfeiting - a big problem for leading food brands in Russia.
Canned foods continues to play an important part in the Russian food retailing market, which is why Bonduelle chose to increase its presence in this market. However, the market is now starting to witness a slow decline, as consumers shift towards frozen products. Euromonitor predicts that market decline will continue at a rate of between 1 and 3 per cent in the course of the next few years, but with per capita consumption still well ahead of western Europe, it is still a lucrative area for many food companies.
France-based Bonduelle has been on the Russian market for nine years and opened up its first Russian subsidiary in Krasnodar Krai in 2002. The company said that it will invest a total of €30 million in the facility, which will include the most up-to-date production facilities, in an effort to maximise production efficiencies.
