Interview with Chris Hullebusch
Chris
Hullebusch of Koelwaren
Biebuyck talks about the company's past, present and future. He has been marketing and sales manager for 16 years.
When was the company founded? The company was founded by my own father-in-law, Etienne Biebuyck . In 1962 he visited all the farms in the region of Ruiselede to present deep-frozen products. The farmers were a little suspicious in the beginning but later on they appreciated the good quality of the frozen articles. Through the years, in the late 60’s, also restaurants and hotels took an interest. Etienne Biebuyck decided that the moment had come to grow and he started “Koelwaren Biebuyck”. |
How did the company develop ?
In the beginning the work was done by Etienne and his wife Christiane. There were no employees involved. However, in 1981 they hired their first drivers and sales assistants. Their oldest daughter, Ann and their son, Johan joined the company too.
With more sales people and drivers for immediate deliveries, Koelwaren Biebuyck experienced an economic growth in the 90’s. Because of this evolution, also an expansion was required. Koelwaren Biebuyck moved their facilities to the industrial zone in Ruiselede and now has a freeze shop, a working area and a warehouse. Today we have a range of about 3000 products.
In the beginning the work was done by Etienne and his wife Christiane. There were no employees involved. However, in 1981 they hired their first drivers and sales assistants. Their oldest daughter, Ann and their son, Johan joined the company too.
With more sales people and drivers for immediate deliveries, Koelwaren Biebuyck experienced an economic growth in the 90’s. Because of this evolution, also an expansion was required. Koelwaren Biebuyck moved their facilities to the industrial zone in Ruiselede and now has a freeze shop, a working area and a warehouse. Today we have a range of about 3000 products.
What has been the biggest success for the company so far ?
In 2008 we won the prestigious Innovation Award for a new way of freezing lobsters. The membrane between the shell and the lobster flesh is broken. Then the lobster is put in a nitrogen tunnel to be deep frozen. After defrosting the lobster flesh still has its natural cell structure and is easy to prepare. The natural flavour and freshness of the lobster remains intact.
As this Innovation Award is awarded by the restaurant holders and people from all over the food industry, we were absolutely honoured.
In 2008 we won the prestigious Innovation Award for a new way of freezing lobsters. The membrane between the shell and the lobster flesh is broken. Then the lobster is put in a nitrogen tunnel to be deep frozen. After defrosting the lobster flesh still has its natural cell structure and is easy to prepare. The natural flavour and freshness of the lobster remains intact.
As this Innovation Award is awarded by the restaurant holders and people from all over the food industry, we were absolutely honoured.
What will be the hardest challenge to come ?
More and more foreign companies in our sector are entering the Belgian market. With the globalization we will have to face more international competitors with lower wage costs. They are able to sell a similar product at lower prices. We will need more support from the government and in the future we will need to cooperate with regional companies to defend our interests. Nevertheless, our company believes that, with our excellent quality and fair prices, we still have a marvellous future ahead!
Thank you very much for your time, Chris.
More and more foreign companies in our sector are entering the Belgian market. With the globalization we will have to face more international competitors with lower wage costs. They are able to sell a similar product at lower prices. We will need more support from the government and in the future we will need to cooperate with regional companies to defend our interests. Nevertheless, our company believes that, with our excellent quality and fair prices, we still have a marvellous future ahead!
Thank you very much for your time, Chris.
Industriestaat 25, 8755 RUISELEDE - Tel. 051 68 88 07 - Fax 051 68 60 16 - Contact