HAK has done well last year. Mainly thanks to the huge popularity of pulses and beans the canned vegetables company from Giessen saw sales increase by 4% to € 77.5 million (2014: € 74.8 million). The sales volume also grew by 4% to 114.8 million units (2014: 110.7 million). The operating result (adjusted EBITDA) grew a whopping 27% to € 10.1 million (2014: € 8.0 million).
HAK continued in 2015 to invest in the brand, production and distribution activities abroad, especially Germany and Belgium, which together with the Dutch market account for a direct outlet with more than 55 million consumers. The company in 2015 also reduced its bank debt by 35% to € 12.4 million.
The "Bonen erbij” (“Add beans to it”) media campaign with Dutch top chef Herman den Blijker was one of the most successful ever. The brand also scored big with the introduction of a new innovative package (“stazakverpakking”) with beans in four varieties (kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils and black beans). This new package attracts a younger audience that attach great importance to healthy eating and 'convenience'.
Furthermore, the company from Giessen chose to continue the export strategy independently in the coming years. According to CEO Timo Hoogeboom this is done with the full support of shareholder NPM Capital.
The annual report 2015 can be downloaded from http://nieuws.hak.nl.
