Banketgroep winner of PEI Operational Excellence award 2017 in the EMEA Lower mid-market

A panel of distinguished, independent judges selected Banketgroep as winner of the PEI Operational Excellence award 2017 in the EMEA Lower mid-market segment.

The award recognises and highlights the achievements of the industry’s best-in-class operators. For Banketgroep owner Gilde Equity Management Benelux (Gilde) this is the second time to win this award, after Salad Signature in 2013.

Banketgroep was established by Gilde in 2007 through the acquisition of Bakkersland Banket from bread conglomerate Bakkersland and Van der Breggen from private owners. The goal was to revitalize Bakkersland Banket, that was stuck in a downward trend, by introducing a new management team and by merging it with competitor Van der Breggen to create the European market leader in caramel and fresh egg waffles.

The implementation of this strategy in an environment of consolidating end markets and volatile raw material prices was challenging. Over the course of the investment period the company was overhauled completely. This included the closing down of loss making facilities, the central head-office and the logistics center. The management team was augmented several times with people from the Gilde network to better adapt to and cope with continuously changing market circumstances.

Supported by the Gilde network and expertise in the food industry, Banketgroep became a successful food company that supplies to leading international retailers throughout Europe, holds a 50% market share in its niche markets and continues to grow fast.

In July 2016, Banketgroep was sold to French biscuits producer Poult to become a leading European private label biscuits and pastry manufacturer.