Premium category food products made using Hungarian technology on four continents

The story of Hagyó Kft. started as a small business in Miskolc, but today their distilling machinery is already used overseas, with help from the Hungarian National Trading House (MNKH). Our magazine interviewed MNKH’s CEO Zsanett Oláh and Hagyó Kft.’s managing director András Kovács.

T. M.: – Please introduce the company. Why is demand so big for your distilling technology?

András Kovács: – Hagyó Kft. was established in Miskolc in 1999. In less than 20 years we have become one of Europe’s biggest companies in our segment, having manufactured distilling machinery and equipment for about 200 wineries and distilleries so far, from the UK to the USA to India. Our technology offers a complex solution to the whole process, from fruit processing to distilling. The system is fully automated and is capable of manufacturing premium category products.

T. M.: – Why could Hagyó Kft. be successful in one of the most developed markets in the world?

Zsanett Oláh: – There are two reasons: global market trends and high-level Hungarian technology/expertise. In Western Europe and in the USA there is great demand for premium category alcoholic drinks, and Hagyó Kft. developed a distilling technology that meets all of today’s requirements.

T. M.: – How did MNKH contribute to Hagyó Kft.’s success?

Zs. O.: – We helped the company to participate in trade fairs overseas several times. In order to be able to enter a foreign market, the product needs to be positioned and the right business partners have to be found. After these trade shows five US distilleries ordered Hagyó Kft.’s distilling system, together with the company’s professional monitoring service.

T. M.: – Is there a chance for more export success? What are the plans of MNKH and Hagyó Kft. for the future?

A. K.:– Our main goal is international expansion, for which we have a rather good chance as we offer complex technology solutions for winemakers, fruit processing companies, fermentation specialists, breweries and jam makers.

Zs. O.:– This wide spectrum of services makes it possible for Hagyó Kft. to provide country- and region-specific solutions in any part of the world. MNKH mapped the world market and we are happy to report that there is demand for the company’s products in Latin America, Southeast Asia, the CIS and Africa.

T. M.: –Why is the support of the trading house so important?

A. K.:– Although we have been present in the Hungarian and European markets for many years, entering the US market wasn’t an easy task for a small Miskolc enterprise. It took lots of time, energy and money to be able to do it. MNKH could help not only with their connections and knowledge of markets, but also by offering the personal representation of our company. (x)