Paul Houtepen

I believe in ‘Panta Rhei’, based on the teachings of the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, that everything flows, so must all components be embraced to create a long-term successful food provision. The development of food in the Western world is a pattern of rivers flowing into deltas. We’re seeing more and more currents: products & concepts and also new, increasingly intricate distribution variants. Sometimes slowing down the process as if they were up against a dam, then speeding up again when the way is clear: this is when the rest join the early adopters on the boat.

I help businesses by coming up with tailor-made solutions based on an exploration of their waters, to drawing up a plan for the voyage, marking the beacons, hoisting the sails and helping them to batten down the hatches. Standing still is not an option. And, of course, we may need to adjust our course, for example due to the weather or other changing obstacles.

What you get is an experienced sailor, who’s learnt the ropes on beautifully branded vessels. Someone who’s at home in fresh uncharted waters and who knows how to sail with the wind based on well-planned routes. Someone who’s fathomed the delta based on in-depth market research. Because knowledge is key. And the weather forecast: windward for sustainability & health. But you’ll need to sail close to the wind, in order to stay ahead.