Vion modifies delivery module as part of supply chain concept

In October 2017, Vion introduced Robusto, a premium ham for the premium segment of the Italian market for cured hams.
calendar icon 7 December 2018
clock icon 3 minute read

This successful introduction was followed in April 2018 by the launch of Robusto for ham curers in Spain. The Robusto ham is so popular that demand is currently exceeding supply. To increase the supply of heavier pigs with a thicker layer of fat, Vion is modifying its Robust delivery module as part of the Good Farming Balance supply chain concept in the Netherlands.

The Robusto hams are distinguished by their weight, colour, fat layer, intramuscular fat, shape and consistency. Another key advantage is the fact that the hams are part of the Good Farming Balance supply chain concept that Vion introduced in March 2017. The top of the cured ham sector perceive the quality of these hams as very high.

Supply of heavier and riper pigs

As part of Vion’s Good Farming Balance programme in the Netherlands, pig farmers opt for one of the delivery modules 'Basis', 'Wide' or 'Robust'. Heavier and riper pigs are needed to meet the growing demand for Robusto hams.

This has enabled production of the highest quality (fat) hams. In order to influence the supply of heavier and riper pigs, modifications are being made to the Robust delivery module as part of the Good Farming Balance supply chain concept.

Modifications to Robust delivery module

One of the modifications concerns the payment table for the Robust delivery module. Pig farmers will receive more money for pigs from a certain fat layer thickness.

In addition, Vion and Topigs Norsvin have selected a specific group of boars that will result in an increased supply of heavier and riper pigs. This produces a larger supply of suitable raw materials for the Robusto ham. The specific genetics of this group of boars is called TN Robusto. TN Robusto was developed exclusively for Vion.

Finally, there are also options in terms of feed. In consultation with pig farmers and feed suppliers, Vion would like to support pig farmers in obtaining a higher average fat score through feed.

"These modifications enable Vion to guarantee the premium quality of the Robusto hams for the Italian and Spanish ham curers and to respond to the growing demand," said John de Jonge, who will take over the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) from Frans Stortelder at Vion Pork as of 1 January 2019.

"Pig farmers as well as Vion will benefit from the modifications in the Robust delivery module of Good Farming Balance," he said.

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