Based in Neuenkirchen-Vörden, Ovobest has made a name for itself over the past 40 years as one of Europe's leading manufacturers of egg products. In one of the most modern factories in the world, 100 employees produce around 40,000 tons of egg products annually from just under a billion chicken eggs. Around 80 percent of the eggs come from the company's own integrated production. Food giant Nestlé Germany has now honored Ovobest with its “Supplier Award” for its sustainability concept and reliable delivery even in times of crisis. The Vörden-based company took first place among 6,000 suppliers.

Managing Director Dr. Bernard Schneppe is delighted with the award: “It is truly an incredible honor to be crowned number one among Nestlé suppliers.” He referred to the “special achievements of sales and production. Ovobest's award is clearly thanks to these two areas of the company.”

The award ceremony took place in a festive setting at the Crown Plaza in Frankfurt, right next to Nestlé's headquarters, in the presence of Nestlé Germany's key purchasing staff. The companies ranked as the top 20 suppliers were invited. Three representatives of the egg product manufacturer traveled to Hesse: plant manager Matthias Holzenkamp, sales manager Henry Regeling, and Susanne Plump, the key account manager responsible for Nestlé at Ovobest. When the name Ovobest had still not been mentioned before the first three places were announced, the excitement was already palpable, Schneppe reports from what his employees told him. Then, when they were awarded first place, it was cause for considerable celebration, smiles the managing director.

“At a time when the global economy is characterized by uncertainty and change,” says Nestlé spokesperson Rebekka Schuh in response to a question from OM-Medien, “the importance of strong supplier relationships is becoming increasingly important.” Motivated by this, Nestlé Germany has now honored its top suppliers with the “Supplier Awards” for the fifth time. The awards recognize special achievements “in the areas of sustainability, innovation, service, and process efficiency.”

Ovobest impressed the Nestlé jury with truly impressive animal welfare initiatives, a long-standing high level of service, and above-average flexibility. The company spokesperson particularly highlighted the supply of eggs produced without killing the laying hens' brothers. This has enabled Nestlé to use only eggs from sustainable production in selected products.

Schneppe adds that the Vörden-based food manufacturer “actually first interested Nestlé in the topic of free-range products from farms that do not kill chicks.” This is how the company became the first supplier of egg products produced according to the new farming concept, which are used in the production of Thomy mayonnaise, among other things.

In addition, through “sometimes great efforts,” the company has managed to remain a reliable supplier of egg products to the food corporation “even in times of Corona or the war in Ukraine,” “while others have taken a back seat.”

Of course, the award ceremony was followed by a celebration in Vörden, says Schneppe, who also received congratulations from Neuenkirchen-Vörden's mayor Ansgar Brockmann and his deputy Jürgen Rolfsen. The Supplier Award will find its place on the company's own Wall of Fame. Since 2019, this has been home to the Clive Frampton Egg Processor of the Year Award, which Ovobest received as the world's best and most innovative company in the egg industry.