Leo Pingen: a 45-year career at Aviko Rixona
Since 1926, we have grown into an organisation with over 500 employees. Together, we strive to get the best out of the potato to produce functional ingredients for our customers. Leo Pingen, senior product manager and product developer, was instrumental in the creation of Potato Cheezz, the world’s first plant-based cheese alternative made from potatoes. We spoke to him about his 45-year career at Aviko Rixona.
Could you briefly introduce yourself?
“My name is Leo Pingen, I am 65 years old and I live with my wife Hanny in Venray (Netherlands) – in an old military police barracks from 1919! Together, we have three children. I have been working at the Venray location for 45 years. I started at Nestlé as a chemical analytical technician for the first 25 years. In 2005, the factory was taken over by Aviko Rixona. I was asked to support the commercial department in product management, and from there I grew into my current role as product manager and developer. In this role, I lead the team responsible for developing new products and improving existing ones. Our goal is to ensure that these products are attractive and valuable to our customers.”
What makes the work of a product manager and developer so enjoyable?
“The diversity! Both in disciplines, (international) contacts, and products. Internally, you work with production, supply chain, and sales managers, while also having contact with customers and our locations in China, Stavenhagen, and Poperinge. This is just a small selection, as with our 500+ products, we work with around 100 different customers domestically and internationally. Together with my fantastic fellow product managers Joyce and Liesa, of course. Together, we manage to maintain the right balance across our extensive and diverse portfolio.”
A rich career indeed. What have been the highlights for you?
“Phew, that’s a tough one. I am proud of the development of the Venray factory, where we have doubled our production capacity in recent years. This allows us to offer customers more options and greater product diversity. I also helped set up the Aviko China factory in Gansu with some colleagues from Venray and trained the staff there. I even spent a few months in China for this. And of course, developing various marketable product concepts, with Potato Cheezz being the most significant. Potato Cheezz is the first plant-based cheese substitute made from potatoes. The idea for it started in my kitchen at home.”
What do you mean, Potato Cheezz started in your kitchen?
“Yes, indeed! I read articles online about liquefying potatoes. Then I thought, ‘how do you make that liquid potato solidify again?’ With that idea, I started experimenting at home. Many experiments and a burnt kitchen blender later, I managed to create a cheese-like block. I presented this product at an Aviko Rixona innovation day, where everyone was immediately enthusiastic about its potential!”
What dreams do you have for the future?
“That Potato Cheezz takes off successfully. It is a valuable functional ingredient that is fat-free and salt-free, a source of fibre, has a favourable price, and can be produced sustainably. Although I will retire on 1 November 2024, I will certainly continue to follow the developments closely! Furthermore, I wish my colleagues as much job satisfaction as I have always had here, in good health and with great enthusiasm. Cycling to work every day with a smile is a gift.”
