Sixteen food companies launch Zaan Food Makers

Sixteen major food companies in the Zaanstreek are taking a new approach. They have joined forces under the name Zaan Food Makers, together with their nine international R&D centres. During the launch, alderman Stephanie Onclin stood alongside them — quite literally — to underline the collaboration with the municipality.

Working together in one ecosystem

A great deal comes together within the new cluster. Producers, technical service providers, packaging companies, logistics partners and knowledge institutions now form one regional network. Not complicated, but focused: less fossil energy, learning on the job and more room for growth and innovation.

Zaan Food Makers consists of AAK, Ahold Delhaize Coffee Company, Bunge, Cargill, Exter, Forbo, Hansel, IFF, JS Cocoa, Norit, OFI, Pieter Bon, Tate & Lyle, Verkade, Van Wijngaarden and Zaanlandse Olieraffinaderij ZOR.

Onclin stresses the importance of the collaboration. “Deze samenwerking maakt me trots. Door als Zaanse voedingsindustrie de krachten te bundelen, zetten we onze regio stevig op de kaart als plek waar innovatie en ontwikkeling centraal staan. Hier werken we samen aan de toekomst.”

Companies take a step forward together

Chair Daan Reitsma outlines why this moment matters. “Met Zaan Food Makers zetten we als industrie een gezamenlijke stap vooruit. Door onze kennis, innovatiekracht en betrokkenheid te bundelen, kunnen we sneller verduurzamen, talent aantrekken en onze internationale positie versterken.” He sees it as a step that affects the entire Zaanstreek.

A region with a long food tradition

Anyone familiar with the Zaanstreek knows the region has been part of European and global food chains for decades. Thousands of jobs, strong production and a solid industrial base form the backdrop. With Zaan Food Makers, the companies focus on sustainable energy, accelerating innovation, training and strengthening the regional infrastructure. In doing so, the cluster aims to contribute to a future-proof food industry with international strength.

Rodi.nl