Wim van Cuijk has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fruit and vegetable (AGF) sector. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in fruits and vegetables, he set his sights on developing commercial food and packaging concepts. His focus is primarily on product development aimed at the healthcare sector.
Armed with a camera, I visited Wim at the Foodtechpark Brainport in Helmond. During my quick visit, I had the opportunity to meet the former goalkeeper of NEC to portray him, and I asked him a few short questions to learn more about the entrepreneur in him.
A creative greengrocer who wants to reduce the reliance on medication for chronically ill patients by developing smart, tasty, enriched food solutions.
In addition to the functional aspects of packaging, the appearance determines more than 50% of the taste. One cannot exist without the other: innovative food deserves exclusive and innovative packaging.
For 30 years, I have believed that fruits and vegetables are the medicine of the future. Now is the future. Our society is more ready than ever for a new category of basic nutrition: a middle ground between medication and regular food. In the highly competitive pharmaceutical landscape, it is very challenging to promote this vision. I am strongly convinced that nature is much smarter than all the pharmacists combined. Therefore, I draw my inspiration from nature and the one who created it.
Mission Carrezo: We are developing a new range of easily consumable, protein-enriched basic nutrition for malnourished elderly individuals and recovering patients, based on scientific research and innovative methods. This target group is now being expanded to include other chronically ill patients.
Reusable packaging for meals and snacks.
Together with Abarka (SKIRTALL), we are actively working on product innovation. We aim for sustainable packaging (recyclable, mono-material, weight reduction) with an artisanal appearance. Our products do not contain straws or spoons and are primarily consumed in hospitals or at home. We do not develop on-the-go products.
Our collaboration has been going on for decades. It started with VHS Food (patented packaging for steam meals), then with SKIRTALL (patented design), and now for about 10 years with Carezzo Nutrition. GBO Innovation makers goes beyond just design. Their expertise provides an entrepreneur with a significant advantage.
We are known for our distinctive designs, with which we have already won many prestigious design awards. We develop products with the right choices of materials and constructions, using knowledge of the latest technology and always with attention to people and the environment.
