“More and more food manufacturers are buying Mediterranean ingredients directly from suppliers”, says Richard Peper of food broker Don Pepe. “Food manufacturers are bypassing the importer/distributor. This saves cost but that is not all.”

“More and more food manufacturers are buying Mediterranean ingredients directly from suppliers”, says Richard Peper of food broker Don Pepe. “Food manufacturers are bypassing the importer/distributor. This saves cost but that is not all.”

Don Pepe has been active as a food broker in the Mediterranean market for more than 30 years. “We have over 30 years’ experience and know the trends in Mediterranean food and ingredients”, says Richard Peper, manager of Don Pepe. He is strongly of the opinion that items must be produced where they originated. “That’s how you get the pure flavour, emotion and culture in them. You can also taste the difference. Thanks to our personal, reliable contacts with producers, we know their products and we keep up to date with the latest innovations. We can advise food manufacturers about this. We are always seeking specific ingredients that are distinctive in terms of taste and quality and give added value to a product.” A significant benefit of working with Don Pepe is the efficiency of procurement and lower costs for the customers. “We don’t hold any stocks.”

Product development

Together with food manufacturers, Don Pepe also works on product development within a co-creation project. “Our biggest kick is the development of a product that a customer has not yet thought of, but which does fit within the food manufacturer’s product range”, continues Peper. “We help companies to obtain strategic competitive advantage by developing advanced products which match the wishes of the food manufacturer’s target group.” Don Pepe suggests interesting ingredients and related recipes. Peper: “If required, we can manage the complete product development path for the food manufacturer, from concept to product launch.” Naturally, significant trends such as reduced salt and clean labels are taken into account. Healthy image is naturally an important asset of Mediterranean products.