Champions building the future

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2024/12-2025/01

By supporting domestic companies, the government’s Food Industry Champions programme fosters not only economic growth, but also the international recognition of Hungarian products.

– Where did the Champions programme come from and what is its main objective?

Dr. Márton Nobilis,
State Secretary for
Food Industry and
Trade Policy

– In the food industry, where sales represent a value of HUF 6,500bn, about 5% of companies are exporting but these firms account for 80% of the profits in the market. Our goal with the National Champions programme is to support domestic companies that can become important players at European level and strengthen the Hungarian economy.

– What results can we expect from the food industry champions?

– PICK Szeged is the first national champion we have named, as their investments stimulate the development of the domestic product paths and also generate demand for Hungarian products all over Europe. In the case of PICK we support the whole chain behind salami production.

– What does this mean for Hungarian consumers?

– As a result of the programme, more and more high-quality domestic products will turn up on the shelves of Hungarian stores. This won’t just help to lower the inflation, but also makes premium food more affordable for Hungarian families.

– Are you optimistic about 2025?

– Very much so, as the first results of our programmes will already be visible by 2025, but the long-term effects will be even more significant. The main results of the programmes will manifest in the longer term, by 2027-2028 – by the time when the investments will be completed and we will have opened new factories and processing plants. All this could make Hungary one of the main agri-food centres not only in the region but at a European level.

The government is committed to providing all possible support to the agri-food sector, Márton Nobilis stressed

– Do you need to make any changes on the ministry’s side?

– Yes, as of 1 January 2025 the government establishes the National Authority for Retail Trade and Consumer Protection (NKFH), which will unite the domains of food safety and consumer protection under the auspices of the Ministry of National Economy, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, thus increasing the efficiency and speed of inspections. //