Confectionery, Biscuits in  Belgium - Belgium Chocolate Directory LOTUS BAKERIES NV  Gentstraat 52 9971 Lembeke Tél: + 32 9 376 06 02 Fax: +32 9 376 26 04 info@lotusbakeries.com  www.lotusbakeries.com  Profile: Lotus Bakeries specialised in three product groups in the biscuit sector: caramelised biscuits, waffles & galettes and locally important cakes. Lotus Bakeries' aim is to be the brand leader in these three product groups in the Benelux and France, and to realize the important opportunities for further internationalisation of caramelised biscuits and waffles in particular. To achieve this objective Lotus Bakeries has the following essential resources: The various specialised and local brands were combined to form a single brand: Lotus.  Caramelised biscuits, cakes and waffles & galettes are consumed widely in Belgium by many people. They therefore together form a broad foundation for a strong Lotus brand. In the other countries the basis for the Lotus brand consists of a few locally important products and the growing interest seen in caramelised biscuits and waffles outside Belgium.  The specialised production centres are able to apply the specific technologies in such a way that the products are valued by the consumer whilst at the same time achieving a competitive cost price.  The commercial organisation has been expanded in depth so that in the most important markets specific segments can be reached: retail, catering and food service.  Cakes and pastry This product group consists of many varieties with as a common characteristic, a high moisture content (up to 16%) and short shelf life (eight to ten weeks). The consumption of cakes varies greatly regionally. This is why it is necessary to build up a range for each country with several strong products from the country or region as the basis, supplemented with products from the other countries. Through acquisitions Lotus Bakeries has acquired an important number locally strong products. Waffles and galettes These products, which mostly originate from Belgium, enjoy increasing popularity outside Belgium. Lotus Bakeries is now already achieving the most important portion of the sales of these products outside Belgium. Waffles like cakes contain up to 16% moisture and therefore have a limited shelf life. In particular these are Liège waffles, Vanilla waffles, Soft waffles (Brussels waffles), chocolate-coated waffles and filled waffles. Galettes are also baked in a waffle iron, but they contain little moisture so they can be kept for four to six months. Fine Galettes, Family waffles and Parisettes are the principal products. Lotus (and Lotus-Suzy) is the brand leader in this important product group, both in Belgium and in neighbouring countries. A significant proportion of the waffle market consists of the private labels of distributors. Lotus plays a leading role in this field, especially through the acquisition of Interwaffles. Caramelised biscuits Caramelised biscuits are originally Belgian and owes its typical flavour to the caramelisation of the sugar during the baking process. It can, like most biscuits, be kept for six to nine months. Lotus Bakeries has, for years, been the undisputed leader in that market in Belgium and has also realised the internationalisation of Lotus Caramelised biscuits. In Belgium Lotus Caramelised biscuits is a top product within the whole biscuit market. But the growth is in particular to be found in the other countries so that already about half of the production is sold outside Belgium. LOTUS BAKERIES: is within the biscuitsector, the specialist in caramelized biscuits, cakes, waffles & galettes.  has a strong brand Lotus that includes the three product groups.  Is in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France the market leader in caramelized biscuits, waffles & galettes and locally important cakes (industrial pastry).  realises outside Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France itselves the significant international potential of caramelized biscuits, waffles & galettes.  has as a producer of branded products:  9 own specialised production sites and 2 production sites within a joint-venture. They all apply the system of quality management of Lotus Bakeries.  employes 1,169 members of staff whose commitment and dynamism enables the company to reach it's targets.    Web www.wtonetwork.com