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Johanna Schirmer hands over the prize and the certificate to Thomas Raabe, the managing partner. © private
Celebrations at Schwalenstöcker & Gantz, better known as “Schwalli”: The food service partner for hotels, restaurants and public catering from Korbach has won the coveted “Grand Prize for Medium-Sized Enterprises 2024”.
Korbach – The Grand Prize for SMEs has become one of the most prestigious business awards in Germany and is often referred to as the “Oscar of the German economy”. Since 1995, the Oskar Patzelt Foundation – a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and honoring German medium-sized businesses – has been honoring medium-sized companies that have excelled in various areas every year with the award.
Companies cannot take part themselves but must be nominated by third parties. This year, more than 4,600 companies from industry, trade, crafts and services made it onto the nomination list. But only a few can be happy about the trophy, which is awarded in a three-stage process.
The highlight of the award: It’s not just about numbers and growth, but about the big picture – a comprehensive evaluation of the companies that focuses on five criteria:
- Development of the company
- Jobs and training positions
- Modernization and innovation
- regionales Engagement
- Customer proximity and service
Schwalli scored points in all areas. The award ceremony took place on September 21st at a gala in Würzburg. “This award belongs to the entire team,” said Johanna Schirmer, managing director of the majority shareholder Irene Gantz GmbH & Co. KG, who accepted the award on behalf of the company and later presented it to the managing partner Thomas Raabe.
Schwalenstöcker & Gantz has been awarded the prestigious Grand Prize for Medium-Sized Businesses. Johanna Schirmer accepts the award on a big stage. © private
“At Schwalli we know that success does not depend on individuals, but on the entire team. It is our 200 colleagues who ensure that our company runs smoothly every day. Without this team, this success would not have been possible,” said Thomas Raabe.
From chicken farming to food service
Schwalenstöcker & Gantz GmbH, affectionately known as “Schwalli”, was founded in 1969 as a part-time business raising chickens and selling eggs and has established itself as a leading food service partner for the hotel, catering and communal catering industry. The company currently employs around 200 people and supplies around 2,800 customers within a delivery radius of 150 kilometers.
