36. Flavour Manufacturing CEO of the Year: Matthias Thienel Destilla GmbH (Destilla) is all about great flavour, providing new and natural flavours for both food and drinks. As CEO, Matthias Thienel has looked to drive this industry forwards with a focus on R&D and innovation. Following his well-deserved success, we spoke to Matthias to find out more about Destilla and its work. I think it would be fair to say that the food and beverage industry is undergoing – and has endured - a constant demand for ‘new’. Or otherwise a dedication to maintaining existing, extraordinarily high, expectations. Destilla has become a known entity in this market for succeeding on both fronts. As manufacturers of natural flavours, distillates and extract for the use in food and drinks, Matthias sees Destilla as a crucial figure on the world food and drink stage. “Our customers are coming from all over the world - from small spirit manufacturers up to leading global food companies. In addition, we supply our own industry with semi-manufactured goods. Our expertise is all things ‘natural’. For more than 30 years we have focused natural products. This was the vision of our founder as, during that time there was far less of a focus or drive for ‘naturalness’. The current trend for natural products, health consciousness and sustainability are now pushing our business.” “Destilla wants to be a leader in developing the food and beverage industry of tomorrow. We want to be a quality leader of our industry.” Matthias’ progression in the company is impressive – from joining in 2013 in a sales role, being appointed as an authorised signatory in 2016, and finally becoming CEO in 2019. Much of this, in Matthias’s opinion, lies in a simple passion for Destilla’s work and market. “I know all of Destilla processes for my whole life since I literally grew up within the facilities. Furthermore my international experience helps me to run our global business.” When it comes to the future, Matthias aims to showcase the work of the greater flavour industry on the global business landscape. “I want to pass on my gained knowledge to my employees and be a role model for younger generations. As I am now the vice-president of the German Association of the Flavour Industry I want to give our industry a strong voice as it has led a shadowy existence in public perception so far.” But, for now, Destilla and Matthias aim to cultivate and grow the strong sense of collaboration that beats strong throughout all tiers and departments within the company. “We have a great team in the background to ensure successful projects. From R&D, sales, marketing and production up to quality assurance - Destilla employs skilled staff to satisfy our customers’ demands in every matter. We set a focus on naturalness and sustainability as we work with natural resources. “We steadily want to achieve more. This is why we do a lot of market research to discover new trends to offer new products to our customers. Furthermore, we also want to improve our technical skills and hardly work on new processes and technologies,” Matthias adds. These missions, alongside an ever-growing need to expand Destilla’s premises, defines the future for the company, as Matthias explains in his closing comments. “We are currently planning the extension of our facilities which will be another milestone in our more than 50-year-old history (beginning in 2023). Destilla shall be part of the most innovative companies within our industry.” Company Name: Destilla GmbH Contact Name: Matthias Thienel, CEO Address: Erninger Straße 2, 86720 Nördlingen Web Address: www.destilla.com Contact Email: [email protected] Telephone Number: +49 9081 2738270 Jan23243
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3