Innovation and tradition go hand in hand

Last year’s solar panel investment in Győr was a milestone in the sustainability efforts of Ceres Zrt. What other developments can be expected in this area in 2025 and how do they fit into your long-term corporate strategy?

-Thanks to last year’s solar panel investment in Győr, we can now cover 20-25% of our total energy use from renewable sources. At the same time we have also obtained the EcoVadis certification. We continue to make steady progress towards our sustainability goals this year.

István Mikos corporate director, Ceres

The launch of the Napicipó and Csigusz product lines has reflected your sensitivity to consumer expectations. Are you planning to roll out similar new products in the near future?

– Shelf life and practical packaging were key considerations in the development of both product lines. Presently we are working on new flavours and innovative product compositions to satisfy the needs of a wide range of consumers.

You are building on decades of baking tradition and innovation at the same time. How do you ensure that your new innovations authentically represent both values?

– As a member of the international Penam-Agrofert Group, Ceres can build on a foundation that provides us with a solid knowledge base. At the same time we always have to adapt this international background to the specific characteristics of the Hungarian market.

Will you enter new export markets or product categories in 2025?

– Currently Slovenia, Austria and the Czech Republic are our main target markets, but we would also like to expand into Croatia, Romania and Serbia. However, we can only be successful in these regions if we increase the shelf life of our products.

The economic difficulties of recent years – rising costs, inflation, changing consumer habits – have created significant challenges for the bakery industry. What strategy do you use to adapt to these circumstances?

– I believe that the only solution to economic challenges is continuous efficiency improvement, so we are introducing new technologies.

‘I believe that the only solution to economic challenges is the continuous enhancement of efficiency’ – István Mikos

The technological, sustainability and consumer trends that the bakery industry will be facing in the coming decade could fundamentally transform the sector. How do you see Ceres in this transformation and what directions do you consider decisive for the period up to 2030?

– Based on our medium- and long-term market research analyses, we expect the segment to realise significant growth. Three distinct trends are emerging: packaged products with a longer-life, frozen goods, and products for artisan bakeries and specialty stores.

 What steps are you taking to shape the company’s employer image and what professional feedback have you received recently?

-As one of the region’s biggest employers, we pay special attention to employer branding. We support this with in-house training and conscious internal communication. Last year we won the MagyarBrands award and the Napicipó product range was awarded the Value and Quality Grand Prize.

 What are your plans for the future?

-Our goal is to increase efficiency and strengthen our market position. We have a large-scale investment in the pipeline – it is already in the preparatory phase.