The Portioned division of Gruppo Gimoka is experiencing a period of dynamic growth under a number of headings: investment in production plants, strengthening of the work force, and the development and launch of new projects and products.
“The evolution of this area of business involves new investments in production and logistics. Due to our market success we have also seen a considerable increase (+40 % in 2015) in personnel, bringing new workers and new skills to the company, from all the leading firms in the food sector,” said Massimo Faravelli, CEO of Gruppo Gimoka.
Growth due to market success of products
The production and logistics structure of the Portioned division currently counts N°13 production lines, 10 of which are dedicated to the most popular open systems: four for Dolce Gusto (*) compatibles, three lines of Nespresso (*) compatibles, produced in the self-shielded and flowpack versions, and a range for thermoformed capsules, one for the new Espresso Point (*) and one for the pods. Another three lines are for the production of closed systems for Espresso Italia.
The increase in staff has mainly been in Research & Development, Quality and Logistics divisions, to meet a sharp rise in international demand and for more efficient monitoring of quality and services. This also saw the arrival on 1 December 2015 of Marco Mandelli from Lavazza, where he was manager of Quality Control and of Research and Development for Portioned and Packaging systems, for over 15 years.
“The arrival of Mr Mandelli is part of the development plan that the Portioned division embarked upon two years ago. This growth is evidenced by the launch of new product ranges with outstanding market responses,” added Mr Faravelli, to whom Mr Mandelli reports directly, as manager of R&D and Portioned Quality Control.
“This professional opportunity is certainly motivating. It is a challenge to leverage the skills I have acquired in the fields of quality, capsule development, selection of materials and the industrialisation process in this new professional context. It is a challenge I want to meet together with my new colleagues, all determined to support the growth of this company unit,” said Marco Mandelli, anticipating the imminent launch of new projects.
Successful products include: Puro Aroma – a system compatible with Nestlè Dolce Gusto (*) –, the recent self-preserving Nespresso (*) compatible capsules – with high impact, compact packaging – and the new capsules compatible with the Lavazza Blue PLUS(*) system. This consolidated expertise is due to the success of the group’s own brands and the many private brand products made in this period.
This unit also has other plans for the short and medium term. Although equipped with cutting-edge machinery and innovative logistics solutions, it aims to work increasingly towards the industrial automation of the lines and, where possible, greater integration and control of the supply chain.
Other new systems in the portioned world are under development and will soon come to light.
New range of Lavazza Blue (*) Plus compatibles
The growth of the Portioned Division now also includes a new range of Lavazza Blue* Plus compatible capsules for the Gimoka brand, offering velvety and intense blends.
The new range is the fruit of research and development conducted by the group’s Portioned Division, also in conjunction with the engineering department of Bergamo University.
“Right from the start, the capsule was developed and tested with the aim of developing the pre-infusion process to the full and of providing a solution the could offer complete compatibility with Vending systems and with more typical OCS (Office, Coffee, Service) systems,” continued Marco Mandelli, Research and Development Manager for Portioned systems and Packaging.
The bottom of Gimoka’s Lavazza Blue (*) PLUS compatible capsule bulges outwards out due to the water pressure inside the capsule itself. Once the maximum internal volume is occupied, the pressure expands the bottom of the capsule, which is then pierced by the filter pins of the coffee machine.
The time required for the water capsule to expand and so the bottom to be pierced is equivalent to the pre-infusion time, a key phase in terms of the quality of the coffee in the cup.
Here is the aromatic profile of the Lavazza Blue compatible capsules offered by Gimoka, available in the handy 100 capsule packet
- INTENSE (50 % ARABICA, 50 % ROBUSTA)
The balanced blend of Arabica and Robusta coffees, from selected plantations, creates pleasantly aromatic hints, with a soft, rounded taste. Persistent, mellow aftertaste. - VELVETY (100% ARABICA)
Blend of Arabica coffees, with delicate acidity and balanced body. A coffee marked by a generous bouquet of spices, fruit and toasted almonds.
(*) the brand does not belong to Gruppo Gimoka or to any of its associated companies
