Exports drive sales at Franz Kastner

For over 450 years Franz Kastner GmbH, based in Bad Leonfelden in Austria, has been supplying highest quality confectionery. Since 1559 the company has been known as a maker of gingerbread and spiced honey cakes. A lot has changed since those days, but one thing remains the same: the outstanding quality of their products. Franz Kastner manufactures dry baked goods, confectionery and wafers at their plant in Bad Leonfelden where some 70 people are employed.

The company is meanwhile well known outside Austria for their delicious range of authentic, finest quality products. More than half is sold abroad. This year the company has already chalked up impressive figures, with sales up 22%, mostly driven by strong exports (accounting for 30%). Franz Kastner exports to over 40 countries worldwide. On the domestic market the company's wholegrain, organic and lattice biscuits performed particularly well. New to the already comprehensive range is a line of chocolate-coated dried fruit (sold in 100 g packs). Rum-flavoured plums coated in chocolate have been a bestseller for many years, along with Kastner Marille (milk chocolate-coated apricots).

New organic range: Kastner has been exploring new avenues in product development. Organic certification bears witness to the company's commitment and overall approach, in turn reflected in all new products. Only the highest quality ingredients are used in Kastner's innovative recipes. Apart from organic items, wholegrain and lactose free products are growing in significance, a sign that the company focus is on high quality, natural food. Among the new products currently being planned and developed are two varieties of organic wafers made using organic milk (cocoa, milk); organic wholegrain wafers and organic milk and hazelnut bars for children.

www.kastner-austria.at