Are You Facing Food Production Challenges?

Committed to enhance your food production chain, we facilitate enduring collaborations.

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Marcello Murru
Marcello Murru
Cargill

“Collaborating with Cibus Nexum was a productive experience. Their organized and agile approach was evident throughout our project. They effectively utilized their network and were diligent in contacting potential candidates once our objectives were clear. I appreciate their commitment and professional handling of the tasks at hand. Working with Arjen and Stijn was both rewarding and insightful.“

Ton Abbenhuis
Ton Abbenhuis
Flower Farm

"Engaging with Cibus Nexum transformed our approach to food mediation. Their unparalleled expertise and connections with pivotal companies are invaluable. In a world of generic solutions, they stand out authentically."

Gardar Stefansson
Gardar Stefansson
Good Good

"Eager to launch my new food concept, I turned to Cibus Nexum. Their expertise, from the initial idea to the final shipped product, is unmatched. Their commitment ensured top quality within the fastest possible time-to-market. Truly transformative!"

Karin Marquering
Karin Marquering
Wholy Bones

"Cibus Nexum was swift, always accessible, and clarified all specifics. Their ‘stippenkaart’ was an excellent start, with the Oost NL voucher as a bonus. A truly knowledgeable partner."

Daphne Kolader
Daphne Kolader
Cups of Green

"I recently used Cibus Nexum's services and it was worth every penny! Their market knowledge and attention to detail stood out. The guidance was results-focused. I highly recommend them and will use them again as I grow."

some of our clients

Aware
Yarrah
Wholy Bones
Vivera
Topfit
Flower Farm
StarBucks
Cocoa
Good Good
Arla
Cargill
Creamy Creation
Cups of Green
Fiber Foods
Danone
Ecotone
Foodcase
Formo
Friesland Campina
Hochdorf
Dole
A. Food
Johnny Cashew 1
Max Bien
La Vie
Tasty Fish
Umiami
Salmon

Discover more about the topics

Agile Upscaling
1
Agile Upscaling
Innovative pathways
2
Innovative pathways
Make or Buy
3
Make or Buy
Plant based manufacturing
4
Plant based manufacturing
Private Label
5
Private Label
Waste valorization
6
Waste valorization

The FoodFlow Method

Discover the power of the FoodFlow Method - a revolutionary approach that transforms your food production. With this innovative method you optimize your processes, increase efficiency and achieve impressive results.

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Brand / scaleup

Supply chain & briefing
Scout & Engage
Trials, Quality & Commercial
Source, produce & launch
Design
Find
Onboard
Launch

Manufacturer

Business Development
Expertise & Market research
Develop & Negotiate
Collaborate & Launch

Curious about how the FoodFlow Method can lead your company to success? Download our whitepaper and discover the method behind this groundbreaking concept.

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Meet our experts

Stijn de Bats
Stijn de Bats
Managing Partner

Your Dedicated Expert in Food Production. Stijn de Bats is a veteran in the food industry, boasting over 25 years of international experience.

+31 6 2139 7706
stijn.debats
@cibusnexum.com
Pascal Ruzius
Pascal Ruzius
Managing Partner

Your Trailblazer in Food Contract Manufacturing. Pascal Ruzius emerges as a seasoned connoisseur in the realm of Procurement FMCG and External Manufacturing, boasting a rich, international experience spanning over 25 years.

+31 6 1090 5654
pascal.ruzius
@cibusnexum.com
Arjen van der Wijk
Arjen van der Wijk
Managing Partner

Your Swiss Army Knife in Innovative Food Production Management. Arjen van der Wijk stands at the forefront of innovation in the food industry, bringing to the table a profound expertise in outsourced food production.

+31 6 5044 8865
arjen.vanderwijk
@cibusnexum.com
Henk ter Avest
Henk ter Avest
Senior Expert

Henk ter Avest, graced with an MBA in Business Administration, emerges as a luminary in the field, backed by more than 25 years of international experience.

Lonneke Rijkmans
Lonneke Rijkmans
Senior Expert

Your Pioneering Expert in Food Technology and Business Innovation. Lonneke Rijkmans, with her rich educational grounding in Food Technology and Business Administration, stands as an embodiment of expertise and versatility.

Pieter Tielen
Pieter Tielen
Senior Expert

Your Dynamic Expert in Business Engineering and Procurement. Pieter Tielen, an alumnus of the Technical University of Eindhoven (TUe) with a degree in Business Engineering, brings a wealth of over 20 years of international experience to the forefront.

Jeroen Brockhus
Jeroen Brockhus
Senior Expert

Your Distinguished Expert in Chemical Engineering and FMCG Innovation. Jeroen Brockhus, an alumnus of the prestigious Delft University of Technology with a specialization in Chemical Engineering, brings to the table over 35 years of extensive experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

Sabine Keizer
Sabine Keizer
Senior Expert

Your Accomplished Expert in Commercial Economics. Sabine Keizer, a seasoned professional in Commercial Economics, brings a wealth of over 25 years of international experience to the forefront, particularly in procurement for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and External Manufacturing.

Gita Gregor
Gita Gregor
Senior Expert

Your Expert Innovator in Food Technology. Gita Gregor, a seasoned expert in Food Technology, comes with a rich tapestry of over 25 years of international experience in the food industry.

Cindy Weber
Cindy Weber
Senior Expert

Your Visionary Food Concept Developer and Culinary Innovator Cindy Weber, an accomplished Food Concept Developer, comes with a wealth of over 25 years of experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

Remco Breedt
Remco Breedt
SENIOR EXPERT

Your Strategic Mastermind in Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization Remco Breedt, with his solid foundation in Supply Chain Engineering, brings over 20 years of rich experience in the nuanced realms of Supply Chain management, logistics, warehouse management, order management, and planning.

Arjen van der Wijk
Arjen van der Wijk
Managing Partner

Uw Zwitserse zakmes als het gaat om innovatief beheer van voedselproductie. Arjen van der Wijk staat in de voorhoede van innovatie in de voedingsmiddelenindustrie en brengt een diepgaande expertise in uitbestede voedselproductie met zich mee.

+31 6 5044 8865
arjen.vanderwijk
@cibusnexum.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Find your answers directly!

What kind of support does Cibus Nexum provide in terms of innovation in the food industry?

Our team includes experts in food industry innovation. We offer insights into the latest trends, help develop innovative product concepts, and provide access to cutting-edge technology and methods.

How does Cibus Nexum handle intellectual property and confidentiality concerns?

We adhere to strict confidentiality agreements and ensure that intellectual property rights are respected and protected throughout our collaboration.

Can Cibus Nexum help in reducing time-to-market for new products?

Absolutely! Our managed services are designed to streamline the process from supplier matching to implementation, significantly reducing the time-to-market for your new products.


How does Cibus Nexum ensure a good balance between quality and cost?

We prioritize both quality and cost-effectiveness. Our extensive experience and network allow us to identify and collaborate with suppliers who meet high-quality standards while also offering competitive pricing.

What is the cost of Cibus Nexum's services?

Our services are competitively priced, considering the comprehensive solutions we provide. We focus on delivering value that exceeds the cost, including time savings, access to a wide network of suppliers, and tailored solutions for your specific needs.

More frequently asked questions

Meet Cibus Nexum

In 90 seconds

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7 Common Pitfalls in Food Contract Manufacturing

An Essential Guide for Innovative Food Brands

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  • No direct consumer marketing strategies for food products
  • No nutritional science and product innovation
  • No retail and distribution channel strategies
  • No consumer behavior and market research
  • No sustainability and environmental management in food production
  • No food policy and regulation insights
  • No technological advances in food production
  • No funding strategies for emerging food businesses
  • No international expansion and globalization
  • No crisis management and emergency preparedness

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Cibus Nexum Blog

EU Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control: A Guide for UK Food Brands

EU Reg­u­la­to­ry Com­pli­ance and Qual­i­ty Con­trol: A Guide for UK Food Brands


Expanding a UK food brand into the European Union (EU) presents exciting opportunities, but it also brings regulatory, labelling, and quality control challenges. The EU's food safety standards are among the strictest in the world, and brands need to ensure that their products comply with these regulations to succeed in the market. In this blog, we’ll explore the main challenges that UK food brands face in navigating regulatory compliance, labelling requirements, and maintaining product quality across borders—and how Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method can offer effective solutions to overcome these obstacles. The Challenges of Expanding into the EU 1. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting EU Food Safety Standards The EU has a stringent regulatory framework governing food safety. UK food brands must adhere to laws such as the General Food Law (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002), which sets out the general principles of food safety, hygiene, and traceability across the food supply chain.  Compliance with frameworks like Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) is also essential to prevent and manage potential food safety hazards. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, delays, or rejection from the EU market. You can learn more about the EU’s General Food Law on the European Food Safety Authority website. If your food product is considered a novel food, it will need to undergo a thorough safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Novel foods in the EU are those that were not widely consumed in the EU before May 15, 1997. These foods include new sources of nutrients, ingredients derived from plants or insects, or innovative production processes (such as nanotechnology). For a UK food brand planning to introduce a novel food into the EU market, the company must submit a detailed application, including scientific evidence proving the food's safety for consumption. Approval from the EFSA is necessary before placing the product on the EU market. Compliance with the EU's Novel Food Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283) is crucial to avoid legal and financial penalties. For more information, you can visit EFSA's Novel Foods page. 2. Labelling and Language Requirements  Labelling food products in the EU is a complex task, governed by EU Regulation 1169/2011, which outlines specific requirements for nutritional information, allergens, expiration dates, and other essential details, such as QUID (Quantitative Ingredient Declaration). Labels must be provided in the official language(s) of each EU country where the product is sold.  These regulations are quite complex, and it is sometimes difficult to identify the correct interpretation. Failure to comply with labelling regulations can lead to fines, product recalls, or market access issues. Non-compliance with EU regulations has been proven to be a disastrous element in being successful when entering the EU food market. 3. Quality Control: Ensuring Consistent Product Quality Across Borders Outsourcing production to different manufacturers within the EU can pose risks to product consistency.  Variability in quality can damage your brand’s reputation and lead to customer dissatisfaction. Without stringent quality control systems in place, it’s impossible to maintain consistent standards across different production facilities.  How to Meet EU Food Safety Standards Food Safety Standards are notoriously stringent in the European Union, which can be daunting for a food brand looking to expand to the EU.  Cibus Nexum can help you ensure compliance with these complex EU food safety standards through our network of EU-based manufacturers.  By outsourcing production to these trusted partners, your brand can meet all regulatory requirements from the outset, avoiding the pitfalls of non-compliance. Our FoodFlow Method guarantees that every step of the production process—whether ingredient sourcing or final packaging—meets EU safety regulations. Compliance with EU regulations as well as quality assurance is one of the key topics throughout every step of the FoodFlow Method. This allows your brand to seamlessly operate within the EU’s regulatory framework and effectively derisk every regulatory and quality-related issue. Getting the Details Right on Food Packaging in the EU As a food brand entering the EU market, labelling can be overwhelming. Cibus Nexum can guide you through the labelling and certification process, ensuring your products comply with local language requirements and securing necessary certifications where applicable. By partnering with us, UK food brands can easily adapt their packaging to meet the specific labelling and marketing regulations of each EU member state.  Our expertise and network also ensure that your products are certified correctly (e.g. organic, gluten-free, vegan), giving you a competitive edge. For more information on EU food labeling regulations, visit EU Regulation 1169/2011. Cibus Nexum also anticipates regulations that will be implemented in the coming years, such as the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), which will probably be effective in 2026.  It is in our DNA to make sure we have expertise at hand, to ensure you will be compliant with these regulations as well.  Ensure Consistent Quality When Outsourcing Food Manufacturing Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method ensures that all manufacturing partners adhere to strict quality control standards.  Our process includes regular audits, quality checks, and real-time monitoring to ensure that products meet the same high standards, no matter where they are produced.  This not only safeguards your brand’s reputation but also guarantees that every product reaching the EU market meets customer expectations. Case Study: A Seamless Expansion into the EU by a UK Plant-based Dairy brand One of our clients, a UK-based plant-based dairy brand, was struggling to navigate the complex landscape of EU food safety regulations and labelling requirements.  They faced delays due to regulatory hurdles and were uncertain about how to ensure consistent product quality across multiple EU markets. By partnering with Cibus Nexum, they were able to outsource production to EU-based manufacturers who were familiar with local regulations and quality standards. We ensured their product labels were compliant with both French and German requirements, and we implemented robust quality control measures to maintain product consistency.  As a result, the company successfully expanded into the EU market, increasing its brand presence without compromising on quality. Conclusion Expanding your UK food brand into the EU comes with many complex challenges, but these can be navigated with the right partner and by engaging with the expert approach that Cibus Nexum offers. Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method simplifies the process, ensuring regulatory compliance, proper labelling, and consistent product quality. By partnering with Cibus Nexum, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of the EU’s food industry regulations. Ready to expand your brand into the EU with confidence? Contact us today to schedule an introductory call and learn how our FoodFlow Method can help you navigate regulatory compliance and ensure seamless market entry. 

19 September 2024
How Cibus Nexum’s Collaboration with GrowinCo Will Set New Industry Standards

How Cibus Nex­um’s Col­lab­o­ra­tion with Grow­in­Co Will Set New In­dus­try Stan­dards

Amsterdam, Netherlands / Curitiba, Brazil – March 27, 2024Cibus Nexum B.V., the independent partner in the food industry for product development and contract manufacturing, is proud to announce its collaboration with GrowinCo. This partnership marks a strategic alliance with GrowinCo., the leading co-manufacturing platform for the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. GrowinCo’s expertise lies in seamlessly connecting CPG companies with co-manufacturers, co-packers, and suppliers of ingredients and packaging.This collaboration leverages GrowinCo’s state-of-the-art technology and extensive network, enabling Cibus Nexum to offer its clients a more diverse and flexible range of manufacturing options. The integration of GrowinCo’s platform with Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method enhances our ability to support our clients throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to launch. GrowinCo’s commitment to facilitating efficient and cost-effective manufacturing solutions aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative and sustainable production strategies for the food industry.This partnership between Cibus Nexum in the Netherlands and GrowinCo in Brazil unites advanced European market expertise with South American technological innovation, creating a unique, global collaboration that spans continents, enhancing service delivery and fostering international growth in the food industry."Our technology, combined with Cibus Nexum's expertise, now offers the most comprehensive network of co-manufacturers and top-notch R&D capabilities. This will empower companies to create superior products in an integrated and much faster manner," says Raphael Traticoski, GrowinCo’s Chief Executive Officer.“The collaboration with the GrowinCo team adds up to both our proposition, supporting brands and scaleups with the best fit co-manufacturing setup. During the entire process from ideation to launch, our clients can rely on tailor-made support and advice. Besides a significantly reduced time-to-market deploying the platform technology, they can still experience the benefits of incognito engagement with potential production partners”, says Arjen van der Wijk, Managing Partner at Cibus Nexum.About GrowinCo:GrowinCo is a co-manufacturing and sourcing platform for the CPG industry. The platform connects CPG companies with idle capacity at co-packers, contract manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and packaging suppliers, enabling CPG companies to bring new products to market more quickly and cost-effectively. Founded in 2019 by two former Mondelez executives, GrowinCo is headquartered in Curitiba, Brazil, with offices in São Paulo and Chicago, USA.About Cibus Nexum:Cibus Nexum is a product development & contract manufacturing consultancy based in the Netherlands. Bringing over 75 years of food industry expertise, it has pioneered innovative solutions to assist food brands and scaleups in successfully developing, launching, and scaling their outsourced production.Media Contact:Stijn de BatsManaging PartnerCibus Nexum B.V.info@cibusnexum.com+31 85 4883687

30 October 2024
Navigating the Challenges of Expanding a Food Business from the UK into the EU Post-Brexit

Na­vi­ga­ting the Chal­len­ges of Ex­pan­ding a Food Bu­si­ness from the UK into the EU Post-Brexit

Expanding a food business from the UK into the European Union (EU) presents numerous opportunities but also significant challenges, especially in the post-Brexit landscape. Regulatory changes, logistical hurdles, and increased trade barriers have created a more complex environment for market entry and growth. To successfully navigate these challenges, strategic planning and expert guidance are crucial. That’s why we’ve created this blog series where we explore how outsourcing can overcome these challenges and how Cibus Nexum, with its unique FoodFlow Method, provides comprehensive solutions to ensure a seamless and successful expansion into the EU as a British food brand.  Over the next few weeks, we will delve into specific challenges, offering insights and practical solutions to help your business thrive in the EU.This is what to expect Blog 1: Overcoming Tariffs, Trade Barriers, and Legal Challenges Challenges Covered: Tariffs, trade barriers, customs procedures, and legal and tax considerations. Solution Presented: How outsourcing production and leveraging Cibus Nexum’s expertise can mitigate these financial and logistical challenges, ensuring compliance and cost efficiency. Blog 2: Navigating EU Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control Challenges Covered: Regulatory compliance, labeling and marketing requirements, and maintaining quality control. Solution Presented: Utilizing Cibus Nexum’s knowledge of EU regulations and their network of compliant manufacturers to ensure all standards are met seamlessly. Blog 3: Streamlining Logistics and Managing Supply Chain Partnerships Challenges Covered: Logistics and supply chain management, identifying reliable partners, partner selection and management, and maintaining supply chain visibility. Solution Presented: Optimizing logistics through established EU-based partners and maintaining control and transparency with Cibus Nexum’s supply chain solutions. Blog 4: Overcoming Cultural and Communication Barriers Challenges Covered: Managing cultural differences and communication barriers in EU partnerships. Solution Presented: Utilizing Cibus Nexum’s expertise in cross-cultural communication to effectively manage partnerships and navigate cultural nuances. Blog 5: Protecting Intellectual Property in the EU Challenges Covered: Risks of intellectual property theft and misuse when outsourcing production. Solution Presented: Implementing strong contracts and IP protection measures with the help of Cibus Nexum to safeguard your innovations. Blog 6: Cost Management in Outsourced Production Challenges Covered: Managing costs associated with outsourcing production within the EU. Solution Presented: Identifying cost-effective solutions and partners through Cibus Nexum’s network to optimize production costs without compromising quality. Blog 7: Managing Dependency on External Partners Challenges Covered: Risks associated with dependency on external partners for production and distribution. Solution Presented: Building strong, reliable partnerships and maintaining flexibility through Cibus Nexum’s strategic partner management. Conclusion In this series, we aim to guide you through the complexities of expanding your food business into the EU post-Brexit. Each blog focuses on a specific challenge, providing detailed insights and practical solutions through outsourcing and the expertise of Cibus Nexum and its FoodFlow Method. Together, we'll help you transform the challenges of Brexit into opportunities for growth and success. 

30 October 2024
Understanding Tariffs, Trade Obstacles, and Legal Hurdles After Brexit: A Food Brand's Strategy

Un­der­stand­ing Tar­iffs, Trade Ob­sta­cles, and Legal Hur­dles After Brex­it: A Food Brand's Strat­e­gy

The process of expanding a food business from the UK into the European Union (EU) post-Brexit presents both opportunities and challenges. The landscape has shifted significantly, with the emergence of tariffs, trade barriers, and complex customs procedures impacting UK food brands. In this blog, we will examine these challenges and showcase how partnering with Cibus Nexum and leveraging its unique FoodFlow Method can offer effective solutions in this post-Brexit era. Three Challenges to Consider 1. Tariffs and Trade Barriers The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) allows for tariff-free trade between the UK and the EU, but only if goods meet specific Rules of Origin requirements. This means that UK products must be able to prove they were made or significantly altered in the UK or EU to qualify for zero tariffs. If goods do not meet these rules, they may be subject to tariffs, which can increase costs and reduce competitiveness (see more at  GOV.UK and European Commission).  2. Customs Procedures Since the withdrawal period ended in January 2021, full customs controls have been in place, requiring all goods exported from the UK to the EU to undergo customs checks. This includes submitting customs declarations, ensuring products comply with safety, security, and environmental standards, and potentially facing delays at the border due to these checks. This complexity adds to the administrative burden and can result in increased costs (See more at: House of Commons Library and GOV.UK).  Besides that, shipping over fresh products might become a problem considering the limited shelf life. 3. Legal and Tax Considerations Post-Brexit, UK businesses must navigate differing legal and tax regimes across various EU member states, with non-compliance leading to fines and legal penalties. (House of Commons Library). Tackling Tariffs and Trade Barriers Post-Brexit As mentioned earlier in this blog, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) allows for tariff-free trade, conditional on products meeting specific Rules of Origin requirements. Failure to comply can lead to UK products facing tariffs, which in turn increases costs and reduces competitiveness. To address this challenge, Cibus Nexum offers a solution for UK food & beverage companies. By ensuring that products meet the necessary Rules of Origin requirements, Cibus Nexum enables these brands to benefit from tariff-free access to the EU market. Through Cibus Nexum's network of EU-based manufacturers, UK brands can outsource parts of the production process to the EU. This strategy not only ensures compliance with the Rules of Origin but also allows the final product to be classified as EU-originating, effectively eliminating the risk of tariffs. Additionally, Cibus Nexum's expertise in navigating complex regulations can save time and reduce administrative burdens, empowering businesses to focus on growth.Understanding and Simplifying Custom Procedures Post-Brexit Since Brexit, companies exporting goods from the UK to the EU have faced increased complexity and costs due to full customs checks and declarations. Fortunately, Cibus Nexum knows these pitfalls. By strategically outsourcing production to facilities based in the EU, companies can significantly reduce the delays and associated costs incurred during the export process. This innovative approach not only simplifies customs processes but also offers businesses a strategic advantage in navigating the new post-Brexit trading landscape. By providing a detailed and integrated solution, Cibus Nexum enables companies to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment, ensuring a smoother and more efficient export experience. Navigating Legal and Tax Considerations In the wake of Brexit, UK businesses are faced with the challenge of understanding and adhering to the varying legal and tax regulations across different EU member states. Non-compliance with these regulations could result in substantial fines and legal consequences. By leveraging the expertise and support provided by Cibus Nexum, UK businesses can confidently navigate the complex landscape of legal and tax considerations within the EU, ensuring that they remain compliant and avoid potential financial and legal setbacks. Case study One of our clients, a plant-based meat manufacturer, faced significant delays and increased costs due to tariffs and customs procedures. By partnering with Cibus Nexum, they outsourced production to a facility in the European Union. This move eliminated tariffs and streamlined customs processes, allowing the company to reduce costs and increase market presence in the EU. The transition was seamless, thanks to Cibus Nexum's comprehensive support and expert guidance. Conclusion Cibus Nexum provides a strong solution for UK food brands looking to expand into the EU after Brexit. By teaming up with Cibus Nexum and utilizing their extensive network and expertise, UK brands can handle tariffs, simplify customs procedures, and ensure legal and tax compliance. This sets the stage for successful market entry and growth in the EU.  For more information on overcoming post-Brexit challenges and expanding your food business into the EU, reach out to Cibus Nexum today to discover how their FoodFlow Method can assist you in navigating tariffs, trade barriers, and customs procedures effortlessly. 

30 October 2024
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