Marieke Bouwmans now fulfills the function of National Account Manager.
De Smaakspecialist has experienced enormous growth over the last couple of years. The number of sales channels in the Netherlands has increased profoundly. In addition, the assortments of the brands Smaakt, BioToday and RAW Organic Food are now available in over 20 countries worldwide.
An important role that the Smaakspecialist takes on is the one of (knowledgeable)-partner and inspirator for the client. Together we set up clever shelf plans based on our market insights and market knowledge, in combination with solid research and data based on the customer’s profile. Constantly inspiring with innovative product developments also plays an important role in successful collaborations.
In order to steer all this in the right direction, the organisation is continuously developing and improving. On one hand, the processes have been set up very precisely, so growth is properly facilitated. On the other hand, teamwork is, and will always remain to be, a social aspect. Also in this area many steps have been taken to stimulate the team’s development. The departments of trade, purchasing and logistics have been further enhanced in 2017 with highly experienced professionals within the retail sector, something which is clearly paying off.
In order to serve the customer even better, the sales team has now also increased with new colleagues Marieke Bouwmans and Jessica Alderlieste.
“A reasonable step to realise the ambitions and key mission of de Smaakspecialist,” according to Director of Commerce & Sustainability Maarten de Leng. The number of customers has once again risen significantly last year. In addition, a next step was made with the brands in the cross category. This is mainly due to the intensive cooperation and constant dialogue with the customer. This is, and will stay, what we stand for. In order to continue to guarantee this, expansion of the team was necessary. Marieke’s years of retail and product knowledge is very valuable in all this. ”
Marieke is looking forward to her new role within the De Smaakspecialist: “For more than 20 years I have worked in various roles within the retail sector, of which the last years as key account manager at Nutrition & Sante in the field of functional nutrition such as wight/loss products, sports nutrition, gluten free – and sugar-conscious offerings. Segments that are also very present in the health category. Now I would like to use my knowledge and experience for the beautiful brands and mission of De Smaakspecialist. I have complete faith that we can position it even more broadly in the market, because it perfectly meets the growing consumer need. We therefore have a strong story towards customers. I see plenty of opportunities for further growth of De Smaakspecialist! ”
Jessica also started enthusiastically at the De Smaakspecialist after working in the sales department of The Greenery over the past few years: “I like to work together with the retailer to optimally present organic products in the various categories. I think an organic and nutritious lifestyle is very important and that’s why I like being part of an organisation that makes this available to the consumer. “