CKing's ommissary in Groningen, René Paas, today visited the Bidfood branch in Groningen, initiated by the entrepreneurs' association Evofenedex. Bidfood is a major player in this region in the supply of food and non-food products to catering establishments. With the visit to Bidfood, the commissioner on behalf of the province of Groningen wants to encourage not only this company, but all entrepreneurs in Groningen affected by the corona.
Entrepreneurial solutions
Since the lockdown, companies have been struggling, including catering establishments and their suppliers. The empty terraces in the city of Groningen, the closed restaurants, cafes, cinemas and theaters are a strange, unprecedented experience. Turnover has been reduced enormously for weeks and most employees are at home.
“I would like to hear from the entrepreneurs themselves what they are encountering in this crisis. And what solutions they find. That is why I would like to come and take a look," said Commissioner of the King René Paas.
Happy with the visit
During the visit to Bidfood, the supervisory director was accompanied by the general manager of Evofenedex, Machiel van der Kuijl, CEO of Bidfood Dick Slootweg and Manager Operations Marinus Hol. They are happy with the visit.
Attention for the entire chain
Dick Slootweg explains: “We still deliver to healthcare institutions and very limited to eateries with a takeaway and delivery function. We generate about 30% of the turnover we are used to. Normally it is now the busiest time of the year with Ascension, Pentecost and many events. The catering sector is flat, rightly so that a lot of attention is being paid to it. We greatly appreciate the fact that the Commissioner came to visit us. Attention is also paid to the entire chain behind it, such as all suppliers, producers and lessors of the catering industry. These companies are also largely at a standstill and need help and attention.”
Courage
General director of Evofenedex Van der Kuijl adds: “We really appreciate that the Commissioner wants to encourage all Groningen members of Evofenedex with this visit. Together with the Commissioner, we also want to use this visit to look ahead. When the corona crisis is over, our members can use all the help to get their company and the associated logistics up and running again.” Bidfood has come a long way with this: all business processes have now been set up 'corona-proof'.