A few years ago, Alfafood Ltd emerged from Alfapack, a catering wholesaler founded in 2006. Today, the growing branch network includes five modern cash & carry stores in the major southern German cities of Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Regensburg and Augsburg. Thanks to strategic decisions, the Burcak family company has been able to achieve a considerable increase in sales even in times of crisis, co-managing director Roni Burcak says in an interview.
The store network's clientele includes both upscale restaurants and takeaways, Burcak says. "This comprehensive cash-and-carry model has proven successful in all cities where we operate, with Munich and Nuremberg developing the strongest in terms of sales. Even at times of pandemic, we did not suffer a drop in sales; in fact, we were able to record a small increase. The to-go business in particular boomed in the past pandemic years and we continue to see a pleasing sales trend in this area in particular. Overall, we are now heading for annual sales of 60 million euros."
Right:
The Burcak family of entrepreneurs has recently become a sponsor of local soccer club 1. FC Nuremberg. On the right in the picture: Roni Burcak.
Weekly vegetable offers
As a modern cash & carry market, Alfafood carries a wide range of products from fresh foods of all kinds to dairy and frozen products to a wide variety of packaging materials and other catering supplies. "Throughout the year, we carry a manageable vegetable assortment of about 15 to 20 items, which are taken in large quantities on an ongoing basis. This basic assortment includes such items as blue and white cabbage, tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, and potatoes and onions. In addition, there are weekly specials, a mixture of everyday products and seasonal items, which we offer at affordable prices," Burcak continues.
Although the local wholesale markets in Munich and Nuremberg are roughly on their doorstep, the majority of vegetable products are sourced directly from origin, predominantly Germany, the Netherlands or Spain. "Supplier loyalty is particularly important to us, because in the end the customer also benefits from this. In view of the increased energy prices and other costs, vegetable prices are now well above average. However, by sourcing directly, we are able to keep margins low where possible and only make absolutely necessary price adjustments."
Sustainable packaging still the trend
In the shadow of the current cost increases, Burcak observes a clear trend toward sustainable packaging. "In the wake of this, we have considerably expanded our range of packaging products in recent years. From biodegradable films and trays to a wide variety of solutions made of cardboard and paperboard: as a modern catering supplier, we have to offer a broad packaging selection these days." For now, Burcak leaves open the question of whether there will be another store opening soon. "We have already set our sights on a few cities with a population of over 150,000 people. But that's all still up in the air."
For more information:
Roni Burcak
ALFAFOOD GmbH
Platenstraße 65
90441 Nürnberg
Tel: +49 940 197 0
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.alfafood.eu