The domestic catering wholesaler Transgourmet was able to increase its (net) sales to 492 million euros in the second year of Corona. This corresponds to an increase in sales of 7.7 percent or in absolute figures of EUR 36 million compared to the previous year. Although it is still 20.1 percent behind 2019, the drop in sales was significantly reduced in 2021 despite further pandemic-related restrictions and gastronomy closing days. If you look at the results in detail, you can see that the organic and sustainability product ranges in particular have grown – by 16 percent. The introduction of an own organic brand called Transgourmet Natura, which was tailored to the needs of bulk buyers, also contributed to the success here. “We are pleased that we were able to grow again under these extremely challenging circumstances,” said the two managing directors Thomas Panholzer and Manfred Hayböck. Good news: The market share has also been expanded and is now 25.9 percent. Special thanks go to the employees: “Despite short-time work, you have achieved incredible things and made a significant contribution to achieving this gratifying conclusion,” said the managing directors.
Transgourmet is “cautiously optimistic” for the current year, but is looking to the near future: the pre-crisis level should be reached again as early as 2023. The opening of the 14th location in early summer 2022 in Zell am See in the municipality of Maishofen also contributes to this. “All in all, there will be Austria-wide coverage with Transgourmet stores in the medium term,” says Thomas Panholzer – in other words, further stores are already being planned. The focus is on sustainability, the constant further development of services for the catering industry, solutions “in the fight against the shortage of skilled workers” and the continuation of addressing the self-employed and tradespeople.
“Outsourced Chef”
Transgourmet would also like to support its gastronomy customers in the future with “intelligent and high-quality convenience”: Under the name “Smart Cuisine”, Austrian classics are prepared from high-quality ingredients by a top chef, which only have to be regenerated in-house – quasi “ordering food for professionals”. The chef is thus outsourced and the desired number of menus or components is ordered as required. “This is a useful contribution to countering the rampant shortage of skilled workers in the kitchen and still being able to offer guests the desired high-quality and artisan preparation,” Panholzer is convinced of the potential of the line, which will be rolled out over the course of the year. Smart cuisine dishes cover the entire menu, are only freshly prepared after ordering using the best ingredients and, thanks to sophisticated logistics, are delivered on the desired day.
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