Soup & Bakery by De Verspillingsfabriek wins ABN AMRO Best Newcomer Retail Award

Schiphol September 17, 2019 - Soup & Bakery by De Verspillingsfabriek won the "ABN AMRO Best Newcomer Retail Award" on Tuesday 17 September. "What fantastic news," says Eric Habraken from De Verspillingsfabriek (which means ‘The Surplus Food Factory’). “Of course also for HMSHost International and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The concept is ours, but the people at HMSHost tell travellers the story of waste every day. I am therefore proud that we have achieved this together in such a short time."

Only eight months ago the doors of Soup & Bakery by De Verspillingsfabriek opened at Schiphol Plaza. Eric Habraken: “We started as a factory in 2016 to provide an answer to food waste. We wanted to make an impact by tackling it on a large scale. From the start we have realized that we cannot solve the enormous problem of waste in the chain on our own. That is only possible by working together. We had our first sales at wholesalers. The opening of the Soup & Bakery store is the first step towards the retail channel. And immediately at a beautiful high traffic location, where HMSHost and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol share the same ambition to tackle waste. That it is already such a success and that we receive this appreciation is of course fantastic. ”

Good prospects
Ad Willemsen, General Manager HMSHost Schiphol agrees: “The Soup & Bakery store is located at a beautiful place at Schiphol Plaza. Most people come for the fresh soup. When they are inside and see the storytelling on the wall, they ask about the story behind the products. We only received very positive responses. In addition to the travellers, we already have many regular guests, including pilots, cleaners and members of the Marechaussee. The fact that we are able to open a concept that is sustainable in such a dynamic environment, and that is received enthusiastically by our guests, offers good prospects for the future. ”

Exciting pitch
Just like the two other nominees, Crisp and Felyx, the Soup & Bakery store made a short film as a pitch for the jury. During the "ABN AMRO Retailer of the Year" election on 17 September, these were shown to the more than 175 retailers present. The video of the Soup & Bakery store received the most votes and therefor won the "ABN AMRO Best Newcomer Retail Award". The "ABN AMRO Retailer of the Year" is the largest election in retail. Eric Habraken: “This recognition naturally makes you want more. Where we initially thought we would only be running a pop-up concept for a few months, we are now thinking of expanding to train stations, for example. It remains our mission to reach as many people as possible with our tasteful products and our message to tackle food and talent waste.”

About Soup & Bakery by De Verspillingsfabriek
Soup & Bakery by De Verspillingsfabriek is a collaboration between HMSHost International, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and De Verspillingsfabriek. Guests can enjoy various fresh soups from De Verspillingsfabriek, such as tomato soup and pea soup. In addition, they can buy sausage rolls, cakes, muffins and brownies from the Care Bakery in Hutten where sustainability and craftsmanship are central. The products are produced with less sugar, less salt and better fats. Here too, just like at De Verspillingsfabriek, talent is not wasted, because bakers work with hearing impairment in the bakery.