Interviews

Aksam’s Snack Evolution

Friday, 26 January, 2024 Food From Poland 42/2024
Łukasz Knapowski, Commercial Director on Aksam’s regional growth: navigating snack trends and expanding Polish flavors in the international markets.
The history of Aksam company dates back to 1993, when the first Beskidzkie Sticks were manufactured. Tell us how the company has developed over the last 30 years.

Yes, correct. Our company’s activity began with the production of the Sticks. It was in Osiek, a small town in Poland overlooking the green Beskid Mountains.

It is 1993, the owner – Mr. Adam Klęczar, decides to make snacks that everyone will enjoy – they are supposed to bring joy, regardless of the circumstances. He buys his first machine and establishes a small production plant behind his father Kazimierz’s house. With the help of his closest family, he looks for the best ingredients, refines the recipe and baking technology until he achieves the desired quality. This is how the first  Beskidzkie Sticks were created.

Over the following years, the company grows and expands its offer to include new products, such as: Crackers, Pretzels and Mixes. In 2015 the company decides to introduce completely new export brands to its offer: Soleo and Soleo Sweet – traditional Sticks and Pretzels covered with sweet toppings. Today Aksam stands for two production plants, over 600 employees and 32 export countries.

What is your recipe for success in the snacks category?

Since its establishment, Aksam has been a family company, with 100% Polish capital. The company’s goal is to focus on high-quality ingredients used to make both unforgettable classic flavours and new innovative combinations. The consumer is our top priority and all our activities are directed towards consumers. The company philosophy is simple: “We want to spread the joy of crunching!”

Health-promoting trends also reach the category of snacks, and this category is generally not considered to be a part of a healthy lifestyle. How do you meet these consumer expectations?

Even though consumer health awareness has been increasing steadily, consumers do not give up on small pleasures that allow them to break away from everyday problems and experience a moment of delight. In order to control the portion size they eat, consumers choose products in small packages, however, they can choose a big package to share the product with others while e.g. attending a party or a meeting. Both traditional snack flavours and unusual combinations - e.g. flavour mixes - enjoy unflagging popularity.

The emerging health trends encourage consumers not so much to limit their consumption, but to change the way they choose products, and they read labels carefully. Customers usually select products with good ingredients. The quality of raw materials and their origin are of great importance. More and more consumers are switching to special diets, such as vegetarianism or veganism, and are looking for V-Label certified products in the store.

Aksam listens to all consumer needs very carefully. The company’s goal is to focus on high-quality ingredients used to create both unforgettable classic flavours and new innovative combinations. Work is constantly performed to modify product recipes, simplifying their compositions to a minimum. This is aimed not only at meeting the growing expectations of consumers, but also at promoting a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, a great number of our products have the “V-label” certificate providing consumers with simple and reliable information that facilitates their shopping.

Aksam products on international markets. Please tell us about your export hits and the requirements of foreign consumers.

Foreign consumers often go for our standard Soleo Sticks and Pretzels as well as our Mixes and Tubes which are combinations of these two snacks. Soleo Sweet sticks and pretzels with sweet toppings also enjoy huge popularity. When choosing, consumers pay attention to the products quality. Our snacks are made of top quality ingredients. What is more, these products are baked, not fried, consequently, they are an ideal alternative to other, less healthy snacks.

Thanks to the variety of flavours and packaging forms, our products are good for any occasion: to school, work, meetings with friends, trips, or for a solo evening in front of the TV.

What will 2024 be like for the industry, for your company - what are your plans for this time?

Consumers need some time to relax and a break from everyday life, and that is why snacks have been, are and will be consumed. Consumer interest in this group of products does not flag.

In order to meet our consumer demands, Aksam has constantly invested in the development of its production plant. In 2024 we are going to install new, even more automated snacks production lines. Additionally, we are also working to modify the recipes and simplify our products’ compositions. We are testing new flavours, shapes and possibilities of using innovative ingredients in our products.

Our plans for 2024 also include further expansion of our recipients group and looking for new export directions. 2024 will definitely be full of new and interesting challenges!

Thank you
Monika Książek




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