KALIZEA - Natural leaders

Please could you start by telling us a bit about KALIZEA's different products and its commitment to clean labels?

Vincent Jacquot: KALIZEA is the second-biggest maize miller in Europe and it is also a subsidiary of the agricultural cooperative VIVESCIA, which is owned and run by farmers. Since the company's beginnings more than three decades ago, KALIZEA has offered a wide range of natural ingredients derived solely from maize grain.

Its focus on one crop and its many uses, as well as its close proximity to farmers means KALIZEA can control and trace products from field to fork, guaranteeing 100% non-GMO maize. This is a huge competitive advantage in an age of modified crops.

Finally, KALIZEA has invested in natural extraction processes, without using additives, to retain the maize's natural properties throughout the process. This is the same across every one of its production sites and allows it to celebrate its products as 'clean label'.

What are some of the advantages of having production sites in three countries across Europe?

Thanks to the three production sites located in France, Poland and Romania - with headquarters in France - KALIZEA can offer multisourcing options to clients. While there are multiple options available, it has shared its historic expertise with its France, Poland and Romanian staff.

It is also possible to get most products at any of the three sites. The company feels that this offers clients a quality guarantee. Following strict production standards means that KALIZEA has the same high-quality products throughout its sites.

KALIZEA celebrates the mantra 'from field to fork'. Why is this important to the company?

With its historic operations in the north-east of France, as well as a strong and long-term partnership with the mother company VIVESCIA, KALIZEA has been able to develop a unique production and business model. The transformation of its maize is the result of a totally integrated supply chain that guarantees high quality and full traceability.

Not only do customers know what they're getting, they know where they are getting it from. With the start of operations in Poland and, more recently, in Romania, KALIZEA has replicated this model and adapted it to the local conditions.

Consistency, quality and traceability are three important guiding ideas. This answers a demand that grows stronger every year from customers that prize health above all else. They want food products that come from safe, honest and reliable sources.

What do you think customers will appreciate about the new Nutrigerm range?

When customers use a Nutrigerm product, the first thing they notice is the delicious smell of nuts and toasted grains. It doesn't just smell lovely, it also looks beautiful with deep hazelnut tones, ideal for giving an appetising colour to finished products. When they taste it, they find the smell was a precursor to the same nutty, toasted flavour.

After having awakened all their senses, customers can enjoy the rich and nutritious composition of these products. For example, Nutrigerm Toasted Flour contains 20% protein, 30% fibre and more than 100% of the DRVs for magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as vitamins B1, B6, B8 and B9. KALIZEA is proud of this range of trademarked products that promote the use of exceptional and natural ingredients.

In what ways does KALIZEA promote a culture of improvement and development in the industry?

By listening to its customers and working hard to satisfy their needs today and in the future, KALIZEA's teams are pushing the limits of the industry, which is good for everyone.

The company's R&D investment and commitment to delivering the best products and services worldwide are examples of its focus on clients' needs. Putting its expertise at the service of our clients is the way KALIZEA runs its business.

What can we expect to see from KALIZEA in the future?

KALIZEA will continue to develop its innovative products and try new approaches to remain a unique company in the maize-milling industry.

It plans to propose new ingredients for its key application markets such as bakery and cereals, savoury snacks, biscuits, cakes and pastries.