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UNILEVER FOOD SOLUTIONS
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Unilever Food Solutions helps chefs all over the world “serve tasty, wholesome meals that keep guests coming back for more�. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager James Mitchell
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nilever is one of the most recognised names in the food industry around the world. If you go to your fridge right now there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find something with the word Unilever somewhere on the label. Among the many facets of the business is Unilever Food Solutions, the professional culinary division which is dedicated to offering products and services to the food service market all over the world. As managing director Michel Mellis explains, “We work with powerful global brands such as Knorr, Hellmann’s, Robertsons and Carte d’Or in combination with local names such Marvello, Meadowland and Fine Foods in order to offer culinary solutions to all kinds of operators, ranging from hotels, restaurants, contract caterers to quick service restaurants.”
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Of course, while Unilever is a globally recognised brand, Unilever Food Solutions can’t rely on brand recognition alone to bring in business. It’s unique selling point, Mellis says, is the “incomparable end results our customers can achieve on meal preparation through our brands and services”. “We don’t just sell top quality products and brands, but we also offer services in the areas of menu organisation, kitchen preparation and guest satisfaction,” he says.
The main issue affecting Unilever Food Solutions and the whole industry is a combination of inflation and lower consumer income, which pressures costs on one side and takes value off the market on the other”
ENS africa ENSafrica is the largest law firm and the only one of its kind in Africa. The firm benchmarks itself according to international standards whilst retaining a uniquely African focus, making it well-equipped to advise clients wherever they may choose to do business. The firm has approximately 550 practitioners and was established over 100 years ago, making it one of the oldest full-service law firms in Africa. The firm has a breadth and depth of experience and specialist expertise that span all areas of law, tax, forensics and IP. As a law firm based in Africa, ENSafrica has easy access to clients and their markets and understand the different political, cultural, lingual and regulatory factors of working in African countries. Whether dealing with the complexity of a multi-jurisdictional project, or the establishment of a start-up business in one African country, ENSafrica’s localised experience and expertise ensures that clients obtain the benefit of scale and scope when doing business in Africa. ENSafrica is a recognised marketleader and is ranked by Chambers and Partners as a leading law firm. Email Info@ensafrica.com
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A new branch on the family tree. Unilever’s on-going quest for a greener future, and Nashua’s firm commitment to reducing their clients’ carbon footprints has led to a natural business solutions partnership. Nashua proposed a solution that is custom-built to Unilever’s needs, lowering the amount of paper printed while still maintaining a high level of efficiency. The energy-saving functionality built into all Nashua’s devices reduces electricity consumption when not in use, another planet saving feature.
With our like-minded approaches to business, we look forward to this partnership blossoming. Tel: +27 31 940 9120 email: info@nashuadbn.co.za www.nashua.co.za
DURBAN
/NashuaLTD
@nashuasolutions
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We don’t just sell top quality products and brands, but we also offer services in the areas of menu organisation, kitchen preparation and guest satisfaction”
This combination of high quality products and excellent service has been key in consolidating Unilever Food Solutions’ position as a market leader, but the company is still setting its sights higher even in the face of a difficult financial climate. “This year we are growing at twice the GDP index in like-for-like business, which is a relatively good performance,” Mellis says. “However we feel there are plenty of opportunities to accelerate. The main issue affecting Unilever Food Solutions and the whole industry is a combination of inflation and lower consumer income, which pressures costs on one side and takes value off the market on the other.”
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f e a t u r e www.pwc.co.za
Advising you in changing times To find out more on how we can assist you, please contact our Durban office in South Africa on +27 (0) 31 271 2000.
Sometimes bigger is better. Tap into a world of possibilities with PwC. There’s much to be said for world-class solutions and a global network of expertise. We establish relationships to bring real value to our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate. Contact us for tax, advisory and assurance services tailored to your specific needs.
©2013. PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC”). All rights reserved. (13-13943)www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
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However, while the economic climate is one thing, Mellis believes the biggest challenge facing the industry right now is something far more prosaic. “Our biggest challenge has been communication,” he admits. “Because the market is so pulverised and operators don’t follow any specific communication channel exclusively, it is a real challenge to talk to our target food service market. That’s why we must develop multiple forms of communication in search of our customers. Then of course there is also the challenge of operating in an emerging market environment, where the economy is not particularly strong, there is a high unemployment rate, volatile currency and social inequality.”
Touch Design Ltd The challenge
We have such well known and loved brands... we must leverage into new markets”
Unilever’s Robertsons brand is the category leader in SA. The challenge was to redesign the bottle, cap & refill box and branding & graphics, across over 120 SKUs, to improve shelf navigation, merchandising, and encourage consumers to discover and expand their repertoire of Robertsons herb and spices. The solution The new ownable bottle design and ingenious user-friendly custom cap - the world’s first injection moulded, orientated, multi-functional closure on a glass bottle – was the result of structural design based on insight, usage and ergonomics. The results From brief to launch within just 18 months! This included structure, graphics and a new packaging line. The 6 month sales target was achieved within just 5 months; volume increased by 8%; and turnover by 14%. The pack scored 9.2 out of 10 with Unilever’s home testers - the highest score ever recorded! International awards include: winner of Ambient Food Category Gold Medal; Overall Goldpack Award IPSA 2013; and Runner up International Food and Beverage awards 2013. The Iconic Brand Survey 2013 now recognises the Robertsons brand as a top 10 South African brand. ...which we are very proud of. Tel 00 44 (0) 1344 894507 Email heidim@touchpackdesign.com
www.touchpackdesign.com
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for details on how we can touch your brand call Heidi Maxwell on +44(0) 1344 894 524 email heidim@touchdesign.com or visit us at www.touchdesign.com www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
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In the face of these diverse challenges, the most important thing is for Unilever Food Solutions to have a team with the skills and experience to deliver the very best. For Mellis, ensuring the business has the best talent is an absolute priority. “We make sure we have the best people by attracting the best talents, developing them and making sure they stay with us. The care we take in creating a great work environment has been recognised. This year Unilever was elected best employer to work for, which obviously helps tremendously in finding people who are willing to work for us. We also have probably one of the best development programmes in the market, which includes real global exposure and local training that ranges from market insights to leadership behaviour, as well as on the job coaching/mentoring.
GEA Process Engineering
We make sure we have the best people by attracting the best talents, developing them and making sure they stay with us”
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EA Process Engineering is a global leader in the provision of hygienic process equipment and turnkey process lines for the food industry within liquid and power process engineering. Powder Processing. GEA offer a range of dryers for handling fluid, paste and moist powder, particulate and granulate feeds as well as powder handling and packaging systems Liquid Processing. GEA supply complete processing lines or equipment that can be integrated into an existing liquid processing system or combined with downstream systems to a complete production line or turnkey installation Concentration & Pre-treatment. Concentration of liquid streams is used to increase the solids content and/or achieve a volume reduction by removing water. Concentration may be a standalone operation, but is also an important upstream step in a drying process Process Automation Solutions. Our global network ensures best practice process automation solutions – every time – everywhere After Sales & Service. We provide a single source for the procurement of technical service, spare parts, automation support and training. Our complete approach is further enhanced with our web based tool GEA Assist. Customers for Life! South Africa Tel: + 27 11 805 6910 Email: info.za@gea.com United Kingdom Tel: +44 1925 812650 Email: info.gpuk@gea.com
www.gea.com
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Together, we can make it!
GEA Process Engineering is recognised as an international leader in food processing technology, setting the trend in process engineering and plant design. From the provision of hygienic liquid process equipment to turning food products into powder types - our expertise and know-how covers all aspects of food processing. GEA is your partner in excellence. Together, we can make it.
GEA Liquid Processing (Pty) Ltd
GEA Process Engineering Ltd
Midrand, South Africa Tel +27 11 805 6910, Email info.za@gea.com
Warrington, United Kingdom Tel +44 1925 812650, Email info.gpuk@gea.com
engineering for a better world
www.gea.com
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With top of the range talent and brands that are known and loved the world over, Unilever Food Solutions is in a great position right now, and the business intends to make the very most of that�
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Tapflo Group
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apflo is a Swedish manufacturer of air operated diaphragm pumps as well as horizontal centrifugal pumps & range of magnetic drive pumps. The company was originally established as a pump distribution company founded in 1980. The present company product program includes approximately 50 different models for all needs. Tapflo is represented by own companies in 25 countries and by independent sales companies in another 20 countries and has app 350 employees. Since 1997 Tapflo has been present in the South African market with offices in KZN, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape & Western Cape. With personal service and years of experience in liquid handling Tapflo offers competent advice in most applications. The Tapflo Group, including Tapflo (Pty) Ltd, will actively incorporate the on-going assessment, nurturing and training of their staff, within a planned structure, for the long term benefit of both the staff member and for the Group as a whole.
If you are interested in developing your career and are a good performer, a major global company like us will always have a place for your next step”
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However, investing so heavily in the company’s staff can be a doubleedged sword. When your company has the best talent, it makes them a rich target for head hunters. “The real challenge becomes preventing other companies tempting our talent away after we’ve worked with them for so long,” Mellis admits. “We strive to avoid this by offering great career possibilities combined with the pride of working for a company with such high ethical principles. If you are interested in developing your career and are a good performer, a major global company like us will always have a place for your next step.” With top of the range talent and brands that are known and loved the world over, Unilever Food Solutions is in a great position right now, and the business intends to make the very most of that.
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Product range Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps Horizontal centrifugal pumps Vertical centrifugal pumps Self-Priming centrifugal pumps Mag drive centrifugal pumps Rotary lobe pumps Rotary wing pumps Gear pumps Flexible impeller pumps Hose(peristaltic) pumps Drum pumps Quality 5 Years Product Warranty ISO 9001 certified CE marked products The EC ATEX directive 94/9/EC EHEDG Certified Tel 031 701 5255 Email sales@tapflo.co.za
www.tapflo.co.za
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SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
Ben's Erection & Fabrication is an innovative South African materials handling company whose services include: • Steel erections • Steel fabrication • Steel work maintenance • Machinery maintenance • Steel repairs • Machine repairs • General steel fabrication • Steel constructors • Material handling • Steel - mining industry And many more...
Proud Suppliers of Radio & Television Tracking Services to Unilever Since 2008
For more information visit us at www.afstereo.com or www.gnosko.com
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Working together. Reaching the top. Shepstone & Wylie is proud to be long-standing business partners with Unilever Food Solutions. Together, we strive for excellence.
24 Richefond Circle, Ridgeside Office Park, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319. Tel: 031 575 7000
www.wylie.co.za DURBAN • CAPE TOWN • JOHANNESBURG • RICHARDS BAY • PIETERMARITZBURG • LONDON
PIPING, MECHANICAL & STRUCTURAL STEEL CONTRACTORS. INTEGRITY. INGENUITY. QUALITY. We deliver project support through every stage of production. From cost estimation and planning all the way through to project initiation, fabrication, inspection, transportation and installation.Our highly skilled staff of artisans perform their tasks, professionally, punctually and promptly .
www.africanarc.co.za Tel: +27 31 461 4036 | Email: info@africanarc.co.za
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The food service market is very promising in this part of the world and we plan to outpace market growth at least at double rate”
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“The future is there for us to make the most of it,” Mellis says. “Specifically for Unilever Food Solution in Africa, we will keep developing our South Africa power house, and make a more structured move into Sub-Saharan African markets.” As the company builds on its growth in existing markets, and approaches new ones, he is confident in Unilever’s unique value proposition. “We have such well known and loved brands, that in combination to our unique market approach, we must leverage into new markets like Angola, Nigeria and Ethiopia, just to name a few. The food service market is very promising in this part of the world and we plan to outpace market growth at least at double rate.” There are clearly exciting prospects ahead for Unilever Food Services, but more than the wide recognition of their brands, the quality of their products and service, or even the talents of their people, there is one thing that Mellis believes the company keeps in mind above all else.
Nordson Corporation Nordson adhesive application equipment is used in numerous industries to bond products during manufacturing. Nordson’s OptiBond Solutions Enable packagers to stretch their adhesive up to 100 percent Double the number of packs sealed per kilogram of adhesive Optimise adhesive bead length, placement, diameter and volume Seal packs with significantly less adhesive while preserving bond and package integrity. The ProBlue Fulfill is an integrated adhesive melter and fill system. Automatic adhesive replenishment saves operator time, prevent thermal shock and adhesive degradation Uninterrupted operation eliminates missed beads, poor bonding, downtime due to empty tank and reduces contamination. Tel +27 21 510 1888 Email infosa@nordson.com
www.nordson.com
Lowe and Partners South Africa
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owe and Partners is a global multi-agency partnership designed to give clients a high concentration of senior, smart and flexible problem solvers to deliver ideas for business. Utilising the partner network, Lowe and Partners is able to build brands offering services from strategy and media, through to advertising in both above- and below-the-line to point of purchase. Key clients of the partner group include: Unilever, Merck, Fromageries Bel, SAB, Cape Times, CTFM, Tsogo Sun, Castle Lite, Sasol, Nestlé, Media 24, Hansa Pilsener, SA Homeloans, Avis, Investec and Adcock Ingram. Tel +27 11 780 6306 Email loweandpartnerssa.com
www.loweandpartnerssa.com
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The best thing
since sliced bread. Lowe and Partners SA has always strived for perfection and it’s within Unilever Spreads that we have met a like-minded client. The success of the relationship over the years is easy see. From loved seedman animations, to showing the world its first live heart surgery, both Lowe and Unilever have pushed the boundaries and taken some of SA’s favourite brands – Rama, Flora, Blue Band and Stork – to heights that seemed impossible. This is the kind of fruitful relationship that we at Lowe and Partners SA set out to forge every day. Find out more about Lowe and Partners SA at www.loweandpartnerssa.com or call 011 780 6100.
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quest staffing solutions
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e are the leading white-collar recruitment company in South Africa and Africa. We have earned this position by setting and consistently achieving high standards in the recruitment, training and management of permanent and contract/ temporary staff for almost 40 years. Our Full Circle Staffing Solutions (FCS²™) model incorporates our end-to-end service offering which has been defined and refined over decades and is today, the most comprehensive in the industry, it includes:
Drake & Scull is one of the largest and most sophisticated Facilities Management and Technical Service Providers in Southern Africa. We provide extensive technical, nontechnical and business support services, which enables us to deliver continuous cost benefits while improving the quality of our clients non-core services.
Permanent Staffing, Contract/Temporary Staffing, Field Marketing, Response Handling, Contingent Workforce Management and Outsourced Payroll. We are a level 2 BBBEE Contributor boasting 70.22% black ownership and 30.21% black female ownership. Tel +27 21 413 4700
www.quest.co.za
JS ENGINEERING CC
Staffing Logistics Offer of personalized staffing solutions to various industries A leader in temporary and permanent employment solutions Excess of 10 years payroll management Achievable talent development, with accredited training on offer
GENERAL ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL CONTACTS BRUSH HOLDERS - SLIPRINGS ETC.
Quality and expert HR and IR Solutions to all our clients Expert professional individuals with solid experience and exposure to labour supply chain 24 hours operations in selected areas Over 3500 registered staff on record Reputable client retention of over ten years We place over 2000 staff daily into operations.
Tel: +27 11 892 1900 Fax: +27 11 892 1616 54 Tile Road, Boksburg North, 1460
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For service excellence in staffing solutions Tel +27 11 452 9856 Email sales@stafflog.co.za
www.staffinglogistics.co.za
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Think Quest.
You can’t risk anyone but the best handling your recruitment.
With almost 40 years of experience, unparalleled expertise and world class candidate assessment tools, partnering with us will help you break new frontiers.
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To ensure your business reaches new heights, think Quest. A16301
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endeavor engineering & REfrigeration Industrial refrigeration contractors Specialise in Ammonia and Freon refrigeration Total system maintenance and repair Preventative maintenance agreements Fault finding and maintenance works Overhauling of screw / reciprocating compressors Supply and installation of walk-in cold rooms and freezers Supply and installation of water chilling equipment Supply and installation of air conditioning units Supply and installation of ventilation systems 24 /7 Emergency service Maintaining refrigeration standards and safety measures Basic refrigeration training Safety awareness training Tel +27 (0)82 461 1253 Email endeavour@iburst.co.za
Atlas Copcos
The most important aspect of everything that we do is the consumer”
“The most important aspect of everything that we do is the consumer,” he says. “And consumers in our market are very local, despite globalization in many sectors. We at Unilever Food Services spend many, many hours talking to consumers, investigating market trends and learning from observing them. We do all of this in order to pass all this knowledge onto our customers, so that they will always be empowered to develop the very best solutions for making their guests, and our consumers, happy.” To learn more visit www.ufs.com.
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Atlas Copcos long history in the Southern African region makes it a leading player in numerous industries, including FMCG. Our products and services are designed and manufactured to assist customers in achieving maximum productivity. Our vision is to become and remain “First in Mind—First in Choice ®” with our customers and we believe that our combination of product excellence and dedicated staff assist in achieving our vision. South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique together make up the Southern African region. Atlas Copco in Southern Africa employs an extensive sales force for each division whom are dedicated to ensuring the supply of products and services that are best able to meet client requirements. Atlas Copco is committed to the superior productivity of its customers and sales staff is trained to assist in selecting products and services to achieve this. Tel +27 11 821 9000 Email atlas.copco@za.atlascopco.com
www.atlascopco.co.za
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Endeavour Engineering & Refrigeration cc
Industrial Ammonia Freon Refrigeration Office Air-conditioning Mechanical Maintenance Safety Awareness Training .... providing the best possible solutions to meet Client refrigeration needs and problems
Accreditation
SARACCA SOUTH AFRICA REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
MerSETA MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING & RELATED SERVICES SKILLS EDUCATION & TRAINING AUTHORITY
Tel: +27 (0)11 915-6549 • Fax: +27 (0)11 915-6510 • Mobile: +27 (0)82 461 1252 • eMail: endeavour@iburst.co.za
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E nq u i r i es Tel (UK): +44 (0) 1603 559 151 Tel (SA): +27 (0) 21 527 0053 ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com
S U B S CRI P TIO N S Tel (UK): +44 (0) 1603 559 144 ian.armitage@outlookpublishing.com
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15 Nollsworth Crescent La Lucia Ridge Office Estate La Lucia 4051 South Africa Tel: +27 31 570 2000 Email: marketing.foodsolutions@unilever.com
www.unileverfoodsolutions.co.za