So Fast So Good, based in Romilly-sur-Seine in north-east France, is a company that produces frozen or chilled snacks for supermarkets and other out-of-home catering networks. The project consists of building a new production site equipped with modern materials and machines in order to develop several ranges of products to meet specific needs.
- 18 September 2019
I signed up as soon as I saw the job opportunity, despite my lack of experience in the agri-food sector. I was invited for an interview and they offered me a job as a production operator. I signed my permanent contract three months later. I'm fortunate, because now I have mastered new skills such as assembly operations on a production line, preparing ingredients and even bread slicing. Also, I really enjoy working in a brand new company.
Founded in 2017, So Fast So Good was created with the support of the European Regional Development Fund for the implementation of small businesses. Through its commitment to an ecological approach and favouring local producers, it offers different ranges to respond to specific diets.
Because of this, the company must undergo strict checks in order to obtain certification by the accredited organisation. Thus, the site has been designed and built to separate the different production areas that handle gluten from those that don’t, the objective being to eliminate any risk of cross contamination.
Local and gluten-free
This company, which manufactures and distributes rolls, sandwiches, pizzas and paninis serves large and medium-sized stores, out-of-home caterers, speciality stores and online stores. It offers products in three types of storage: room temperature, chilled or frozen.
The company, which has already identified one of its snack production lines as 'gluten-free' only, is diversifying its product range and distribution locations. A trademark, Labelvie, was created in 2018, and includes the 'Labelvie - Degourmet' range of traditional snacks and 'Labelvie - gluten free' for the gluten-free section. The entire product range carries a Made in France guarantee.
So Fast So Good offers several product ranges to meed specific needs: gluten free, organic, low glycaemic index, vegetarian, ethical, etc.
The company contributes towards the local economic fabric by purchasing raw materials from local producers where possible. Ecology and food waste are priorities for the company, which is why palm oil is not used in its products, and excess produce is donated to associations.
A patented production process
So Fast So Good is also able to meet international demand by adapting its storage methods and respecting traditions in countries in which it hopes to take root.
With three new production lines in a 3,500 m² manufacturing site, the company has filed a manufacturing patent for its bread-making and packaging process: the use of a specific recipe and packaging allow their products to be reheated in a microwave hands-free, and the bread still stays crusty. Three additional productions lines may be installed, if necessary.
Thanks to this project, the company now employs 37 permanent employees with no diplomas or experience required, which resulted in nearly 700 applications during the first wave of recruitment. In addition, several apprentices will be recruited in early September 2019. Further recruitment may be necessary in case of substantial orders.
Links
http://sofast-sogood.com/www.labelvie.netTotal investment and European funding
Total investment for the project ‘So Fast So Good’ is EUR 1 906 600; the European Regional Development Fund contribution is EUR 190 600 through the ‘ERDF-ESF Champagne-Ardennes’ cooperation programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the ‘Jobs, Growth and Investment’ priority.