1. Who owns Aviko?
In 2002, Royal Cosun became the sole owner of Aviko.
2. How many people work at Aviko?
Over 500 people work at Aviko's headquarters in Steenderen (The
Netherlands). Worldwide, Aviko employs approximately 1,600
people.
3. Are chilled products better than frozen ones?
Chilled products have one definite advantage: they are quick to
prepare. Furthermore, chilled products have a more authentic taste.
On the other hand, frozen products offer more flexibility in terms
of storage and usage over longer periods of time.
4. Why are fries shorter in some years than in others?
The length of our fries depends on the size of the potatoes we
select for processing - and since we are dealing with a
natural product, each year's harvest is different. To grow well, a
potato crop requires regular spells of rain. Each year, Aviko
selects only the best varieties from its trusted potato growers,
but that year's growing conditions can result in some differences -
such as in the size of the potato, for example.
5. Do Aviko fries contain any additives?
No. Aviko's fries, whether chilled or frozen, are made only from
the best potatoes and the pure vegetable oils which are used for
pre-frying.
6. Is it true that most of a potato’s vitamins are contained just beneath the skin?
No, this is only true for fruit. In potatoes, the vitamin
content is actually lower just beneath the skin. The main vitamins
in potatoes are vitamin C - beneficial for the immune system and
concentration - and vitamins B1, B2 and B12. When producing our
potato specialities, we take the utmost care to preserve all the
vitamins - so you can be sure you are getting maximum goodness from
Aviko's potatoes.
7. How many potatoes are harvested globally per year?
Across a total area of approximately 17 million hectares, the
annual potato harvest averages around 272 million tonnes. This
amount of potatoes would be enough to cover the surface of a dual
carriageway reaching six times around the world. Out of all these
potatoes, Aviko selects only the very best.
8. Which actions did or will Aviko put in place in order to establish a decrease in food miles and a contribution to the environment?
Our Environmental Affairs department, which we set up in 1991,
is constantly working to improve our energy and water consumption
even further, reduce the amount of packaging we use, and reduction
of frying odours. We also reduce waste as much as possible or we
collect it separately and recycle it.
Aviko has made the strategic decision to contribute to a better
environment by:
* sourcing only from pre-selected certified growers that have a
controlled system for growing, harvesting and transporting potatoes
with the best measures in place for food safety and environment
* having built our own combined heat and power station in 1996
and therefore we have the lowest energy consumption in the
industry
* situating the production facilities where the potatoes are
grown - Very important, as 2 kilo raw potato material is needed for
1 kilo produced chips.
* installing a waste water treatment plant for each production
facility. Several of these treatment plants generate biogas, which
is a welcome adjunct.
* increasing choice of potato varieties that are have a better
resistance against potato diseases - less pesticides needed.
* having a dedicated transport department we optimize transport,
pallet staking and lorry sizes
* using more and more re-use systems for pallets and crates
* having a yearly Environmental Report in place, based on the
outcome of the VAVI survey, the Dutch Potato Processors'
Association.
9. What is Aviko’s Carbon Footprint?
Aviko has decided not to have her carbon footprint calculated as
of yet. There is neither a uniform methodology, nor a central
organisation controlling these calculations.
As part of our Environmental Yearly Report, Aviko has an Energy
Efficiency Index figure. This index measures Aviko's energy
consumption against 15 other Dutch potato processing companies, all
represented in the VAVI, in English the DPPA, the Dutch Potato
Processors' Association.
Aviko performs in this energy efficiency index as best in the
industry, 91.1% against the industry average of 96.5%. Aviko
expects for 2007 further energy improvements to 86.5 %.
10. Does Aviko take in account the environment when it comes to choice of potato variety? Pesticides/herbicides?
Most pesticides are used in the potato industry to control the
fungous disease Phytophthora. In the potato variety list different
potato varieties are valued for their resistance against this
disease. The higher the value the more resistant the potato
variety. The values differ per country.
In Holland the values are as follows:
Carrot tops Tuber Agria 5.5 7.5 Asterix 5.0 8.5 Victoria 6.5 6.0
Bintje 3.0 4.5
Based upon these results Aviko has changed their choice for
potato variety. Instead of 100% Bintje (15 years ago) this is
currently approx. 10%.
In the UK the values are:
Carrot tops Tuber Agria 4 5 Asterix 3 5 Victoria 4 3 Shepody 2 3
Maris Piper 4 5
When it comes to pesticides more and more a European policy is
in place and differences in regulations per county from the past
disappear.
When it comes to pesticides more and more a European policy is
in place and differences in regulations per county from the past
disappear.
11. And what about Aviko’s social environment?
Aviko believes in social involvement. This manifests itself in
many areas. As well as being a reliable employer and one of the
biggest in the region, this social involvement covers numerous
other aspects.
One aspect is our desire to be a 'good citizen' in and around
our branches. For example, we sponsor regional activities,
particularly recreational and sports events.
Another aspect of good citizenship is promoting skills in our
specialist area. We offer work placements and encourage
school-leavers to enter the food industry.