IJmuiden-based fishing company Cornelis Vrolijk has acquired an interest in Garnalenpelcentrum (GPC) Kant in Lauwersoog. This participation fits in with Cornelis Vrolijk’s strategy to produce a high-quality, healthy and sustainable product for human consumption, from ship to shelf. Hogenhouck advised Cornelis Vrolijk on this transaction.
Patented shrimp peeling machines for sustainability and quality
GPC Kant focuses on machine peeling of the Dutch shrimp Crangon Crangon and the pink shrimp Pandalus Borealis. These shrimps are peeled on-site using patented shrimp peeling machines that have been developed in-house. The advantages of machine peeling include a lower CO2 footprint, the ability to reduce the use of preservatives, and the speed. The flavour, smell, colour and structure of the fresh shrimps are maintained during the peeling process. Shrimps that were swimming in the sea yesterday, can be peeled today and delivered to the customer tomorrow. This makes machine peeling a sustainable alternative to hand peeling abroad.
Contributing to CO2 reduction in line with CSR
According to Annerieke Vrolijk, director of Cornelis Vrolijk, the company strengthens its position in the fishing industry with shrimp peeling by machines. “GPC Kant’s activities match perfectly with our activities. They are an expert in shrimp peeling by machine. Their approach leads to a significant reduction in CO2, in line with Cornelis Vrolijk’s vision of corporate social responsibility.”
Both Cornelis Vrolijk and GPC Kant are characterised by a family culture and high standards of craftsmanship. The day-to-day management remains with the Kant brothers. Alfred Kant, director of GPC Kant: “Similar to Cornelis Vrolijk, continuity, integrity, product innovation and reliability are extremely important values to us. With Cornelis Vrolijk’s knowledge and network, we are taking an important step forward.”