Sauce producer Manna Foods, like many other food companies, felt the consequences of the closure of restaurants and the food service sector. Nevertheless, the company is experiencing a slight growth: "Despite the corona crisis, we are closing 2020 with a slight growth of about 3%. Not because we were spared, on the contrary. My team is extremely resilient and it is thanks to them that we have weathered the crisis," says CEO Sylvie Van den Broeck. And what does 2021 have in store for the hot and cold sauce producer?
Focus on export ensures growth
Sylvie Van den Broeck was 23 when her career started at Manna Foods. The sauces company had two years of losses at the time and therefore went through a difficult period. Nevertheless, she managed to breathe new life into the company. It was under her leadership that Manna Foods became profitable again, thanks to its focus on export. Exports grew from 5% to 50% of turnover. Europe, Asia and Africa are important markets.
Investing in our own country
In 2021, we will continue to focus on sustainable growth. For example, the production site in Schoten will be expanded and given a more modern look. After all, the Belgian market remains the most important. "Many Belgians still don't know about Manna Foods. We have invested in our brand awareness in recent years, but there is still a lot of growth potential in our own country", Sylvie explains.