Royal Kaak announced the opening of its new sales and service office, Kaak Africa, in Johannesburg, South Africa. “With this step, we strengthen our presence on the African continent and move closer to our customers,” the Dutch specialist said in an announcement. The office is headed by Roy Jansen, who has been appointed as the Managing Director of Royal Kaak Africa.
Roy Jansen shared a comment on the new developments and his views on the region’s market:
“The start of Kaak Africa has been on our agenda since 2020. We see the growth of several African economies, driven by a young and ambitious population, as a key factor in the rising demand for bread and other food-related products across the continent. That is why we want to be present in Africa right from the beginning of this development. We believe it is important to be as close to our customers as possible. With a strong and steady installed base already in place, establishing Royal Kaak Africa was a natural next step.
Our main focus in Africa is on toast bread. Bun lines are also interesting, as these segments represent the largest and fastest-growing part of the industrial bakery market. Even though we also see a growing market for pizzas, logistics in Africa make it challenging to distribute frozen pizzas efficiently at this stage. Depending on the region, we also offer a semi-automatic baguette line, which is particularly relevant in countries with a strong baguette tradition.
Working on the African continent is definitely unique and very different from operating in Europe. Logistics can be more challenging, requiring flexibility and creative planning. Business is also strongly relationship-driven, something I personally enjoy very much; trust and personal connection are essential for success. At the same time, there is an incredible growth mentality across the continent. You can feel the energy and optimism of a new generation that wants to build, invest and move forward.
On a personal note, I fell in love with Africa the moment I started working here. I love the people, the culture and especially the amazing variety of food. It’s a place full of warmth, creativity and opportunity.”
Kaak Africa will provide local sales support, service and spare parts, as well as faster reaction times and smoother workflows. For convenience, South African customers can now place orders in the local currency.
Ivan Da Silva, Area Sales Manager, Africa, is the first point of contact for bakeries in the region. He has been with Kaak for over a year and previously worked with the company’s South Africa agent.
Photo: Royal Kaak
