Unique partnership in the field of allergen-safe production

The way in which Heerhugowaard-based De Worstenmakerij works perfectly matches that of Dutch Spices, the inclusive and allergen-safe flavouring brand that is part of Epos Food Family. The two companies therefore connected on the same theme: allergen-safe production. "This is still in its infancy in the Netherlands, but I am sure that this is about to change," said Bas Gelijk of De Worstenmakerij.

When he had two butcher's shops at his disposal a few years ago, the company Bas Gelijk was already doing very well. The number of customers continued to grow and Gelijk did not really have enough space to do all the work. Time for a change. Time for something new. To continue growth, Gelijk decided to bring everything together under one roof in a new building with De Worstenmakerij: an allergen-safe sausage factory and butcher's shop. "At that time, I ran into Detlef Redeker," Gelijk said. "I knew him from a sausage factory in Enkhuizen. He told me he had stopped working there and was looking for a new challenge. Because of all the know-how that he has, I really wanted to set up De Worstenmakerij with him. That seemed like a good idea to him. We wanted the new premises to be completely allergen-safe. Eventually, this took us further than we anticipated and we can now speak of a great success. I never expected it to turn out so well.”

Dutch Spices

De Worstenmakerij produces sausages and meat products in Heerhugowaard the way a butcher would make them. To do so, the company uses the products of Dutch Spices from Nijkerk. Dutch Spices is an Epos Food Family brand and maker of herb and spice mixes, marinades and sauces that comply with the strict allergen-safe, vegan and halal guidelines. They only use ingredients that meet the guidelines and are certified for BRC, SimplyOK and Halal. Dutch Spices therefore stands for 'Freedom of Taste'. Recently, Dutch Spices developed a distinctive new look that matches the brand's unique values. The products have been given a colourful packaging, emphasising that the brand is there for everyone.

"We saw that Dutch Spices was gathering momentum in the Netherlands and wanted to capitalise on that, as it fits seamlessly with how we wanted to use the new premises," Gelijk continued. "Together with Jos van Niesten of Epos Food Family, we started working and looked at the possibilities. After trying and tasting various things, we eventually arrived at a customised flavouring package. Made especially for us. The great benefit of this is that you no longer have to worry at all about the 14 legal allergens and I am now able to offer a solution to a large customer group with various food allergies. People often think that this makes something taste entirely different, but we know from experience that this does not have to be the case. Allergen-safe products are incredibly tasty.”

The only allergen-safe production site

Region Manager Jos Niesten of Epos Food Family: "Dutch Spices is the only brand in Europe to have a factory with a separate allergen-safe production site. Prevention of cross-contamination is also guaranteed, enabling us to ensure allergen-safe flavourings. And of course, you can create delicious blends with the various products. Butchers, production workers or cooks will have considerable peace of mind if they know that no allergens are used at all. This is perfect for De Worstenmakerij, as they are working in an allergen-safe production environment, just like us. Bas and his team tell me which products they want to produce and I give advice on what they need for that from Dutch Spices. In this way, we have created a very good partnership.”

Bas Gelijk argued that butchers play an important role in dealing with allergens. "I think butchers do not always know what they are doing," he said. "They often do not ask themselves what should be on the label about allergens. It is getting better, but we still have a long way to go together. For people with allergies, it is very important that this is handled carefully. That way they can stay healthy and worry less about what they can and cannot eat. Before, we were not as concerned with this, but I am glad we have taken this step. We have only experienced benefits from it.”

The partnership between De Worstenmakerij and Dutch Spices is successful. This does not mean, however, that our work is finished. Niesten concluded: "We will continue to work with De Worstenmakerij. If they get a request for meat preparation, we are ready to help them wherever we can. With our help, they will achieve wonderful results.” Gelijk: "Epos Food Family is a good company that is always thinking with us and willing to help. In the Netherlands, the products of Dutch Spices are not yet very well known, but that will definitely change. I am convinced of that. After all, the quality is excellent and in England and Ireland Dutch Spices is already being supplied in abundance to butchers.”