EFKO, Voronezh: feedback from employees and customers, address, management and product quality

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

EFKO in Voronezh is a division of Russia's largest food industry enterprise. The main branch of the holding is the sale of its own oil and fat products manufactured using leading technologies.

The activity of the EFKO company (its head office is located in Voronezh) involves the passage of all production stages, including the procurement of raw materials, their storage and processing, production and transportation. The company has a developed dealer network to ensure uninterrupted sales of its own brand products.

How it all began

The history of the company dates back to 1897, when a plant for the production of coriander and anise oils was put into operation in the settlement of Alekseevka. These products were intended not so much for sales in the domestic market, but for export. Alekseevsky oils were purchased in large quantities by foreign perfumers.

Until the collapse of the Soviet Union, the scope of the enterprise remained unchanged. Alekseevskaya Essential Oil Extraction Factory was awarded the "Badge of Honor" andwas part of the domestic concern of leading manufacturers of perfumes and cosmetics, synthetic and natural essential oils.

After the privatization of the Alekseevsky plant in 1992, the EFKO enterprise was created on its basis. Over the next two years, a new concept of activity was developed, and by 1994 a team of professionals became the shareholders of the company. Like-minded people set themselves the goal of gaining leadership in the Russian oil and fat industry, setting a new impetus for progressive development. Production facilities were rapidly modernized and expanded, a new management model was built, new product manufacturing technologies were mastered.

How the company evolved

The choice of the main production line, namely the production and bottling of sunflower oil, was due to the location of the plant in the Belgorod settlement. It turns out that at the beginning of the century before last, the first sunflower oil was produced here. This merit is attributed to the serf Bokarev, a native of Alekseevka. The success of EFKO's activities in Voronezh was also predicted by numerous marketing researches of the market, which gave extremely positive forecasts about the development of the holding.

Since 1996, the company has become an independent and independent player on the Russian sunflower oil market, producing products under the Sloboda brand. From that moment on, the distribution network began to actively develop: the company's representative offices appeared in the capital, Novosibirsk,Yekaterinburg, Voronezh. EFKO became the first company to actively use freezing technology in the production of sunflower oil.

Some time later, the company began cooperation with the Belgian company De Smet, which today is one of the main suppliers of production equipment for sunflower extraction. In 1998, a workshop for the production of mayonnaise under the same Sloboda brand was opened in Alekseevka, and a year later EFKO began to produce deodorized refined oil and package butter.

An important step in the development of the company was the construction of a factory for the production of specialized industrial fats and margarines, the equipment for which was purchased from the former Belgian partner De Smet.

EFKO profit and production capacity

Despite the active development of the production of food ingredients, in the period from 2005 to 2011, financiers predicted the takeover of the holding by a large American company. The fact is that the Bunge corporation was intensively buying shares of the EFKO group of companies, which led analysts to similar conclusions, but later information appeared about the repurchase of the portfolio by the owners of EFKO.

Since 2007, a mayonnaise plant, which is part of the holding, has been operating in Yekaterinburg, a number of new brands enter the market. In the same period, new production sites were opened (in the Moscow region, Krasnodar region). Since 2012, Sloboda brand ketchups have been sold on the market.

According to unofficial data, the company's annual revenue reachesabout 150 billion rubles, a fifth of which is income from export sales. More than 15 thousand employees work at EFKO production and in the offices of Voronezh, Moscow, Belgorod. Since 2013, the company has been engaged in soap making, and three years ago - milk processing and yoghurt production. Today EFKO is also developing outside of Russia. In particular, more than 11 billion tenge was allocated for the construction of the company's plants in Kazakhstan.

The EFKO company is highly resistant to the impact of macro- and microeconomic factors of external and internal consumer markets. Due to the formation of functional complexes, the holding managed to successfully solve the problems of production and sales activities. On the other hand, it is not possible to characterize EFKO as a separate enterprise, reflect the entire volume of economic activity and objectively assess the risks for investors.

Holding structure

The EFKO Group of Companies is a vertically integrated structure, which includes enterprises for the production, storage and processing of agricultural products, the production and sale of food products.

Despite the fact that EFKO is a complex structure, it is not officially registered as a holding company. At the moment, the enterprise includes several functional complexes:

• agricultural investment block, which includes firms involved in agricultural production;
• preparation and storage of raw materials - workshops and warehousespremises that ensure an uninterrupted supply of quality sunflower throughout the year;
• production is the largest complex of the holding structure, which produces vegetable and butter, spreads, margarine, sauces under several trademarks Sloboda, Altero, Nezhka, as well as specialized fats for the industrial sector.

The main production assets of the firm include:

• about two dozen elevators that can store more than 800 thousand tons of seeds;
• sea terminal "Taman", where the multi-million dollar turnover of liquid and bulk cargo is carried out;
• six oil extraction plants processing a total of 2.2 million tons of seeds;
• combines for the production of industrial fats, annually producing 750 thousand tons of products;
• factories for the production of packaged branded products;
• Research Selection and Seed Center and Institute of Applied Research.

In addition to the production unit, the structure of the company includes a marketing department and distribution companies that perform the functions of sales, advertising and promotion of products in Russia and abroad. The EFKO logistics link is widely developed. In Voronezh, according to the feedback of employees, a system has been established for transporting products to any region. A separate component of the company are construction companies that provide construction and preparation for commissioning of productionbranches.

Product range

Judging by the reviews about EFKO, in Voronezh and other regions of the Chernozem region, products are in greatest demand. The main production site of the company is a factory located in the Belgorod region. The plant, which in the recent past produced anise and coriander essential oils, is today considered one of the best in Russia in terms of equipment and product quality. All processes at the enterprise are automated thanks to the introduction of modern European equipment and innovative technologies.

A wide range of products divided into several categories:

• unrefined and refined packaged oil from sunflower, olives (brand "Sloboda" and Altero);
• several varieties of mayonnaise;
• meal obtained after extraction of sunflower (about 5.8% of the total production);
• three varieties of ketchup.

Besides vegetable oils, EFKO (Voronezh) produces milk, yogurt, margarine, shortening and spreads for the confectionery industry (cheap butter analogues containing milk fat substitutes). In addition, the company provides a small amount of oil processing and packaging services to third parties.

Organic-Control System

One of the secrets of the company's success lies in the use of exclusively natural ingredients. The company strictly controls the absence of artificial components, chemicals and genetically modified organisms.

Activethe Organic-Control system ensures the production of vegetable oils and mayonnaises of the highest quality. The company pays special attention to manufacturing standards:

• lauric and non-lauric cocoa butter substitutes;
• confectionery fats;
• spreads, margarine;
• milk fat analogues in cottage cheese and cheese products.

Each year, EFKO LLC (Voronezh) produces about 700 thousand tons of oil and fat products by applying the methods of interesterification, hydrogenation, fractionation and other technologies that guarantee the competitive quality of the products.

Customer Reviews

The holding's products are popular not only in the city where its head office is located, in Voronezh. Reviews about the company "EFKO" are left by residents of all regions of Russia. Most of the comments are devoted to vegetable oil, mayonnaise, ketchups and Sloboda yogurts. In general, people are satisfied with the quality of products.

Many people note that mayonnaises and ketchups of this company are similar to products of the competitive brand Heinz, but unlike them, they are sold at a more affordable price. Some people like the taste of Sloboda products, while others find them neutral. Some consumers feel that sauces contain too much vinegar, and ketchups use heavy dyes, making them unnaturally bright.

As for sunflower oil, most buyers find it ideal for cookingsalads, frying, baking, as it gives dishes a subtle spicy flavor. If you believe the reviews, Sloboda oil does not leave an obsessive odor, does not foam and does not shoot in the pan. At the same time, sunflower oils from EFKO cannot be called the cheapest, so many people try to buy several bottles at once during promotions in supermarkets.

A lot of flattering reviews are devoted to EFKO fermented milk products (address in Voronezh: Taranchenko St., 40). Especially often mentioned on the forums are yogurts, which are to the taste of both adults and children. Customers appreciate fermented milk products that do not contain flavors, because many people are allergic to various flavors. Drinks are made only from natural milk, and in drinking yoghurts there are even pieces of fresh fruit. The popularity of Sloboda products is due to its affordable price.

Users refer to the disadvantages of EFKO products:

• lack of official distributors in remote regions;
• Poor-quality expiration date stamping on packages (the date is written in washable ink, which allows unscrupulous distributors to change the consumption deadline and sell expired products);
• inconsistency between the contents of the composition indicated on the package (for example, muesli and fruits promised by the manufacturer are sometimes not found in a jar of yogurt).

Training center "Biruch"

According to the feedback from EFKO employees (Voronezh), work is of great importance for the production and development of the companyspecialized research center in Biryucha, Belgorod region. Here they develop original recipes, modernize the technologies used in the production process, and improve existing types of oil and fat products.

Practical seminars are regularly held for young specialists of the production complex, there are programs for the exchange of experience with food development partners for ingredient manufacturers and technologists. The training center of the EFKO company is equipped with equipment that is a copy of the original production lines and makes it possible to participate in the reconstruction of the processes for the manufacture of bakery, confectionery, milk-containing products. In addition, here you can taste samples of products obtained that require the use of fats and their substitutes:

• different types of glaze;
• chocolate pastes, dragees, sweets with fillings and creams;
• waffles;
• oriental sweets;
• ice cream with milk fat substitutes;
• curd desserts, cheese products;
• condensed milk, etc.

On the basis of the training center there is also a school of management, the purpose of which is to train managers and develop formal and informal communications, motivate students to achieve maximum results. The School of Management helps to form the holding's personnel reserves, improves the skills of existing employees and develops a unified corporate spirit among the team, awarenessshared values and culture.

What attracts employees to EFKO

According to reviews, many in Voronezh would like to find a job in the holding. The popularity of the company as an employer is due to its many years of activity and impeccable reputation. EFKO trademarks are recognized by Russian buyers, and a huge range of products that meets the needs of the consumer is a guarantee of stable profits, and, therefore, decent earnings for employees. Everyone who would like to get a job at EFKO (Voronezh) understands this.

According to the feedback of employees, in order to get into the company, you will have to go through a serious selection. Especially difficult testing and meticulous interviews await applicants for managerial positions. High requirements are imposed on candidates even after enrollment in the state. Each specialist must necessarily undergo specialized training at the expense of the company, which will allow them to further navigate the principles of industrial production of oil and fat products.

Advantages of employment at EFKO

According to the company's management, a team of specialists is a key asset and the main competitive advantage of the holding. In reviews of EFKO in Voronezh, employees have repeatedly confirmed that favorable working conditions have been created at the enterprise. It is thanks to this that the company is able to bring to life unique corporate ideas and solve complex production problems.

Today, the total number of EFKO employees inVoronezh, according to reviews, is no more than 100 people. Many more workers are involved in the production of the company. According to unofficial data and numerous reviews from Voronezh, EFKO employs about 15 thousand people, each of whom the company provides the same opportunities for training, self-realization and career growth.

The main advantages of working in a holding include:

• official registration according to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation;
• no probation;
• providing corporate mobile communications, computer equipment;
• decent wages;
• career perspective;
• social guarantees and additional support programs for employees (payment of the annual VMI policy, assistance in solving the housing issue, paying off bank debts, etc.).

Personnel policy of the enterprise

The holding is the undisputed market leader in oil and fat products, which, in turn, obliges its management to make informed decisions in the selection of employees. The company attracts the best candidates for vacancies, putting forward high professional requirements for them. And we are talking not only about the head office, which is located in Voronezh.

In the reviews about the employer "EFKO", many speak out with indignation about the difficult "entrance" exam that must be passed when applying for a job. It consists of two stages - written testing and interview. To pass the exam, you need at least 2-3 hours of free time - aboutThis is evidenced by the many reviews of EFKO employees about their work in Voronezh and other cities where the company has representative offices. The candidate will be informed of the results of the test in a few days by telephone.

At the time of publication of the article on the official website of the company www.efko.ru there were no vacancies for positions in the EFKO management company (Voronezh). According to the feedback of employees, you still should not despair. Those who wish to find a job should send a resume to the company's e-mail and wait for a call from managers. As soon as there is a vacancy, the candidate will be invited for testing and an interview.

As of November 2018, vacancies for positions in the management company (Alekseevka) are relevant:

• design engineers;
• quality managers;
• analytics;
• technologist;
• 1C software engineer;
• sales manager.

What employees say about the benefits

Among the reviews about work at EFKO in Voronezh, you can find both positive and negative comments. There are fewer of the latter, but they should also be given attention.

In general, the majority of EFKO (Voronezh) employees praise the company's management for their businesslike and pragmatic approach. Despite the strict requirements and intense work rhythm, they are always treated with understanding and support in case of difficult life situations. At the same time, this should not be abused: every specialistMust be on time and deliver quality work. Then a large number of orders from the authorities, about which many people speak with indignation, are more than compensated by a decent salary.

Judging by the responses, not only the directors of EFKO in Voronezh feel they are a significant part of the company. In fact, every ordinary employee is an active participant in the dynamic development of the business, which is facilitated by a competent corporate policy of the enterprise. Most employees do not have problems with the team, the team works smoothly and productively. To strengthen the motivational component, the management periodically holds various competitions, the winners of which receive expensive gifts or cash rewards.

Let's move on to the important issue of wages. Here opinions are divided. Despite the fact that the salaries of employees exceed the average for the regions, many complain that the salary consists of two parts - “white” and “gray”. The official salary is close to the minimum wage, which does not have the best effect on monthly contributions to insurance and pension organizations. On the other hand, this shortcoming is not significant for most of the company's employees.

It is impossible not to mention the social guarantees provided to employees of EFKO in Voronezh (TIN, OGRN of the enterprise for settlements can be found in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities). Work in the company will allow you to save on a subscription to a fitness club, the purchase of branded products, high-qualitymedical care. Employees can buy butter, mayonnaise, yoghurts and other products for almost half the retail price at retail outlets.

Graduates of universities without work experience and professional merit have good chances to get a job in a company. Of course, the personnel department will not be able to respond to all requests, but it is important for the company that young specialists regard EFKO as a potential employer. The priority right for employment is given to students who have completed work experience and internship in the company.

Disadvantages of working for a company

As already noted, there are also negative aspects in employment at EFKO. The most popular of them, judging by the reviews, is the tedious tedious testing that you need to pass when applying for a job. To prove the suitability of a particular position, the applicant for a vacancy must answer dozens of general questions and pass an IQ test. According to users, the exam is in many ways reminiscent of the school exam. By the way, it lasts about the same - about three hours.

Interview is another disadvantage. They speak of it as the most unpleasant test, especially from a psychological point of view. In addition to communicating with superiors and the personnel service, the possibility of passing a polygraph test is not excluded. Despite the promise to inform the candidate about the results of the test and interview, not a single employee received a call from the HR department of EFKO in Voronezh.

For many employees, a significant disadvantage in the work of the companyis the bureaucracy. Without a memo, an explanatory note, a statement and other current documentation, it is impossible to take a single step. The most difficult thing to adapt to beginners. On the other hand, bureaucracy is found everywhere, not only in the EFKO holding.

Irregular work schedule is one of the conditions of the employer, which becomes an insurmountable barrier to the employment of some employees. The official employment contract specifies a fixed working day, but in practice, according to reviews, things are different. Employees work until they complete their work plan, staying in the office late into the night.

In addition to the cases, which are always a lot of work, problems for employees are created by the management itself. The company has a strict system of fines, punishments and detentions for delays, delays, mistakes. Smoking breaks during working hours are especially discouraged.

Readiness for business trips is one of the requirements for EFKO employees in Voronezh. The address of the management company, which is located in the center of the capital of the Chernozem region, was already indicated in the article. However, most of the employees do not always manage to stay in this office all the time. For some, there is nothing wrong with business trips that last at least 7-10 days, but for family people, this is a huge drawback.