Like father, like daughter?
What is it like when parent and child both work in the family company? How do the two generations view the future and the way in which the company should be run? Fambizz talked to three families. Today, it's the turn of the father and daughter behind Akom Ankla.
Juice and syrup specialist Akom Ankla was founded by Klaas Edelenbos in 1984. Daughter Mischa has worked in the company for thirteen years as a system manager and quality manager. Do Mischa and Klaas share the same views about the company's future?
Klaas Edelenbos
"I have faith in the future. Akom can expand its market, by shipping more to the Antilles and Suriname. Africa and China offer lots of opportunities too. In other countries we work with agents that include our products in their portfolio. It works well and it's something we will continue. However, our ambition is not only to operate more internationally; we must also continue to safeguard our flexibility. We are not the largest player in the market and consequently we have different possibilities compared to major players. We can supply a retailer with a trial order. This means we do not have to score a direct hit with one product. That's why we have so many different articles in our range: this is a service we provide to wholesalers, though this diversity is not directly profitable. Nevertheless it is something you have to nurture."
Mischa Edelenbos
"My ambition is to see the company grow and achieve a greater market share. We will do this by developing new products, including for the Dutch market, as well as by entering new markets. We can increase exports and that is something we are currently busy doing. As quality manager I ensure that every year, we maintain all the required food and wares certificates. It is an intensive and costly process: after all these certificates enable you to guarantee the company's opportunities. Finally, in the future we have to continue to focus on our strong points: the certificates, good delivery and our flexibility when it comes to producing tailor-made products for customers. That allows you to innovate and stand out from the competition."
Written by: Fambizz
Juice and syrup specialist Akom Ankla was founded by Klaas Edelenbos in 1984. Daughter Mischa has worked in the company for thirteen years as a system manager and quality manager. Do Mischa and Klaas share the same views about the company's future?
Klaas Edelenbos
"I have faith in the future. Akom can expand its market, by shipping more to the Antilles and Suriname. Africa and China offer lots of opportunities too. In other countries we work with agents that include our products in their portfolio. It works well and it's something we will continue. However, our ambition is not only to operate more internationally; we must also continue to safeguard our flexibility. We are not the largest player in the market and consequently we have different possibilities compared to major players. We can supply a retailer with a trial order. This means we do not have to score a direct hit with one product. That's why we have so many different articles in our range: this is a service we provide to wholesalers, though this diversity is not directly profitable. Nevertheless it is something you have to nurture."
Mischa Edelenbos
"My ambition is to see the company grow and achieve a greater market share. We will do this by developing new products, including for the Dutch market, as well as by entering new markets. We can increase exports and that is something we are currently busy doing. As quality manager I ensure that every year, we maintain all the required food and wares certificates. It is an intensive and costly process: after all these certificates enable you to guarantee the company's opportunities. Finally, in the future we have to continue to focus on our strong points: the certificates, good delivery and our flexibility when it comes to producing tailor-made products for customers. That allows you to innovate and stand out from the competition."
Written by: Fambizz
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