OKIN drives its growth and solidifies its position in the top 5 of frozen dough products.

The addition of a sixth production line, along with the price increase implemented over the last year, has propelled the frozen pre-baked bakery company Grupo Okin's revenue by 39%. Thus, the sales for 2022 reached €62 million, with 13% destined for export, with France and Italy as the main destinations.

Meanwhile, the volume marketed by the company reached 59,000 tons, adding about 8,400 tons to the previous year's figures. Despite these significant increases, the Basque company maintains that "the most complex aspect has been dealing with the rise in production costs and raw materials." As for the forecasts for 2023, they state that they expect greater price stability, at least until summer.

As will be recalled, at the beginning of last year, Okin took over the management and operation of the 'Pan Betti' plant in Salvatierra, through the subsidiary Ogi Mania Sur. There, they have made process improvements and conditioned 2,500 m2 as a new cold storage warehouse. In total, Okin has invested around €1.5 million in these and other improvements.

Both plants are now specialized in double fermentation and lamination, with 6 production lines spread over more than 12,000 m2, giving them a production capacity of around 85,000 tons. This capacity places Okin in fourth place in the ranking of bread manufacturers in Spain by volume, while in terms of value, it consolidates itself as the fifth national operator in frozen dough.

NEW "READY" REFERENCES

Okin maintains its focus on the retail sector, which accounts for 70% of sales. Regarding this channel, company sources highlight that during 2022, it has demanded more basic products to cope with the inflationary context. The rest of its production is channeled through wholesalers and specialized distributors (25%) and the hospitality sector (5%).

In terms of products, the bakery operates under the clean label philosophy, without additives or preservatives, and in 2023, it is promoting "ready" references, fully baked bread ready for consumption, which provides profitability and convenience to customers. Thus, they have introduced a new catalog with 18 references in this range. They also emphasize the healthier options that provide protein and fiber.

SUSTAINABILITY AND TRIPLE CERTIFICATION

Okin continues to be committed to sustainability, so for the production of its Zumaia factory, it uses 100% renewable energy. Additionally, it has established a sustainable development committee to review its parameters in all areas of the company's activity.

Another milestone for Okin in 2022 was the obtaining of ISO 14001 environmental management certification, ISO 45001 occupational health and safety certification, and ISO 50001 energy management certification at the Zumaia plant. The achievement of these certifications "is further evidence of Okin's commitment to customer satisfaction, its people, and sustainable development, thus adapting to the needs and expectations of stakeholders," says Agustín del Canto, the company's CEO.

Regarding the forecasts for 2023, they state that they expect greater price stability, at least until summer.

https://www.alimarket.es/alimentacion/noticia/367467/okin-impulsa-su-crecimiento-y-se-consolida-en-el-top-5-de-masas-congeladas