The food industry is perhaps the most important part of the agricultural sector today, and it could mean the future.Continue reading
Hungarian producers benefit from the awareness of consumers, but this needs to be strengthened by awareness-raising campaigns and trademarks. If “we choose Hungarian products, we are guaranteed quality, safety, freshness, and an excellent gastronomic experience,” Agriculture Minister István Nagy said at a press conference in Budapest on Thursday, held at an Aldi store. Aldi is the common company brand name of two German multinational family-owned discount supermarket chains operating over 10,000 stores in 20 countries.
The Agriculture Minister underlined that Aldi can be proud of the fact that
its Hungarian supplier network consists of more than 260 partner companies, accounting for about 60 percent of the company’s supply.
He also pointed out that the company, which has been present in the country for 15 years, has so far invested around HUF 240 billion (EUR 626.7 M) and employs more than 6,000 people.
István Nagy stressed that the government sees Hungarian agriculture as a strategic partner. This is why, in line with EU law, it provides a maximum of 80 percent additional national funding to EU development funds. As a result, in the transitional years of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (2021 and 2022), the government has launched a major investment program with a budget of HUF 1,500 billion (EUR 391.7 M) for tenders.
In the coming years, businesses will again receive substantial support under the Common Agricultural Policy Start-up Plan. As an example, he said that
almost HUF 1,500 billion (EUR 391.7 M) will be available for economic development, including support for the development of farms and food processing.
Nagy emphasized that the domestic food industry is the most important and most secure market for Hungarian farmers, and therefore an additional HUF 400 billion (roughly EUR 1 B) will be available for the development of the food industry in the coming years, with tenders expected to start in early 2024.
Bernhard Haider, national managing director of Aldi Hungary Food Bt., affirmed that they are committed to their voluntary commitment made in 2021, to continue to
procure all their fresh meat, 65 basic dairy products, and eggs exclusively from Hungarian sources.
Winner Certificate of The Shop of the Year 2023 competition in the Fresh Meat Retailer of the Year category. Photo: MTI/Péter Lakatos
Last year alone, they paid Hungarian suppliers 50 billion forints (EUR 131 M) more for their entire assortment, an annual increase of 40 percent, he said.
Balázs Győrffy, President of the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture, said that Aldi’s commitment in 2021, and its current confirmation mean
a secure market and a predictable future for Hungarian suppliers.
He hoped that other chains would be encouraged to take similar steps.
Zoltán Harcz, president of the Milk Product Council, noted that they have been working with Aldi for seven years, and their cooperation is based on predictability and stability.
Tamás Éder, President of the Association of Responsible Food Producers, drew attention to the importance of responsible food purchasing.
It is good for our community, for our country, if we choose home-grown products,”
he said.
Aldi Hungary Food Ltd. opened the first store of its network in Hungary in 2008, and currently has 168 stores.
Featured image: Photo: MTI/Péter Lakatos