| 31 T T Bernadette Cooney Traditional treats go international Van Dyck Fine Foods first entered the international market in 2004 by exporting to Australia. Since then, the company has expanded into Singapore and Fiji. New Plymouth - Van Dyck Fine Foods “We’re proud to employ local talent and support our New Zealand community by supporting fundraising efforts for schools and charities like Big Brothers and Big Sisters.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Having grown from small-town roots into a business with national and international reach, Van Dyck Fine Foods Ltd, a Bell Block-based food manufacturer in New Plymouth, is a celebrated example of New Zealand’s enterprising spirit. The company’s signature products – pancakes, pikelets, blinis, mini pancakes, and crepes – are crafted using traditional Belgian recipes on European hot plate equipment. Quality remains the cornerstone of its Marcel’s Pancakes brand, continuing to drive its success 25 years after the business was first founded by Belgium couple, Marcel Naenan and Inge Vercammen. Van Dyck Fine Foods first entered the international market in 2004 by exporting to Australia. Since then, the company has expanded into Singapore and Fiji. Australia remains a key strategic focus, says sales and marketing manager Campbell Fleming, with efforts concentrated on growing its share of the food service sector by partnering with cafés, hotels, and distributors across all states. “There’s a strategic focus for the business in Australia, where we’ve seen strong yearon-year growth,” says Campbell. “Our team, along with sales partners and distributors, are driving significant results.” Beyond Australia and New Zealand, Singapore represents the company’s third-largest market. In 2022, Oriens Capital acquired Van Dyck Fine Foods, a private equity firm specialising in helping New Zealand businesses scale while preserving their core values. Since the acquisition, Oriens has invested significantly in the factory, improving productivity and growing the number of roles within the business, says Campbell. In New Zealand, Van Dyck’s products are widely available through food service distributors and all major supermarkets. “Marketing initiatives such as in-store product sampling and investing more time and resources into expanding our digital marketing channels, is building on the momentum brought about from a surge in grocery sales since Covid,” says Campbell. Today, the business employs over 70 people across its Corbett Road headquarters, spanning roles from management, production and quality control to research and development. Campbell highlights the company’s community involvement: “We’re proud to employ local talent and support our New Zealand community by supporting fundraising efforts for schools and charities like Big Brothers and Big Sisters.” Sustainability is a focus at Van Dyck Fine Foods. The factory operates 24/7 to meet demand, while maintaining environmentally responsible practices, such as recycling food waste, cardboard and plastic wrap. “Customers can also recycle our product bags at soft plastic recycling bins in New Zealand supermarkets,” says Campbell. Wherever possible, the company sources its ingredients from local producers and suppliers, he adds. Product innovation has led to the introduction of gluten-free crepes and vegan mini pancakes, alongside its range of original and flavoured pancakes such as blueberry and chocolate. A major highlight on the domestic calendar is Pancake Day, set for March 4, 2025. In anticipation, Van Dyck Fine Foods is launching its newest Marcel’s Pancakes product in time for the day. “We’ll be launching a new product in New Zealand supermarkets in preparation for what is the biggest day of the year for us, and the team is working hard to ensure we have plenty of delicious product available for it.” CentrePort – the port of choice for Central New Zealand CentrePort proudly supports Van Dyck Fine Foods
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