If you want to achieve your goals, the most important thing is to start!
In 1993 the brothers Kiril and Todor Vatevi established the company Tandem-V OOD and started the production of meat products in a rented building, with a mortgage loan and two Trabant cars. They did not develop a long-term strategy for the future, they just wanted to produce only products that everyone would feed to their children.
They purchased used machines with a mortgage loan.
They were overwhelmed with enthusiasm…the future was promising!
Tandem – a symbol of quality and integrity!
The company quickly establishes its products on the Bulgarian market. The Tandem brand became a symbol of quality and integrity in its relations with business partners and banks.
The emergence of counterfeit products forced the company to be the first to brand the sleeves and packaging of its products.
In an effort to meet customer requirements, the company expanded its product range to 400 items and occupied a leading position in the retail network of Sofia.
Under the guidance of a French food technologist, the production of boiled ham began, prepared according to a special recipe, in accordance with the Bulgarian taste.
Safety and quality!
In order to guarantee the production of fresh Bulgarian veal and pork, Tandem rented a slaughterhouse in the village of Drinovo, Popovo Municipality and started its own meat production.
Nobody runs out from good!
The growing demand for Tandem products has led a large number of retailers to line up for the company's products. A plot of land for the construction of a new enterprise in Sofia has been purchased. The German planning company Falkenstein Architects and Engineers – a renowned company with over 200 projects for meat production and meat processing plants in Western Europe, Brazil and Chile, was appointed as a designer. Its owner, Josef Falkenstein, is the World Bank's chief consultant on projects related to meat processing and production of meat and meat products.
The recognition of the industry!
In 1999 the Manager of Tandem Kiril Vatev was elected Chairman of the Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria.
Public recognition!
The Union Made in Bulgaria awarded Tandem with the annual award for Bulgarian producer for 2002. Golden Martenitsa prize for expansion of the production programme and increased sales, introduction of new production facilities and improved working conditions.
Despite the difficulties…!
In May 2002, Tandem put into operation the first meat processing enterprise in Bulgaria, built according to the European standards, despite the administrative biases towards the Bulgarian State Standard (BDS). Tandem introduced control at all stages of the production process implementing the HACCP and GMP systems in its own laboratory.
An ERP system has been implemented, which guarantees strict reporting and complete traceability of the production;
The following innovations have been introduced:
Video monitoring system;
Access control system;
Thermo control system;
Leap into the future!
In 2003, long before Bulgaria's accession to the EU, after an accurate audit by EU experts, Tandem received a veterinary and sanitary authorisation for free trade on the European market.
Growth!
Tandem moved from one-tier to a corporate organisational structure!
Acknowledgement!
The Bulgarian consumers chose by vote the Tandem Brand as a leader in the Meat Producers category and the world organisation Superbrands awarded it with the Superbrand Prize (Superbrand on the Bulgarian market) for 2006 – 2007.
For the Manufacturer, investments never stop!
Tandem opened a specialised enterprise for traditional Bulgarian raw-dried sausages and delicacies in Gabrovo.
It represents Bulgaria in Europe!
Tandem production base was visited by all European inspections, delegations and media monitoring the state of preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria.
What we eat is important!
In 2007 Tandem launched on the market the first in Bulgaria ham and delicacies with low fat content up to 3%, in the Finesse and Good Mood product series.
Quality is guaranteed with control and standards!
After an inspection by a Dutch auditor in January, Tandem-V OOD. received the highest international IFS certificate for the implemented Food Safety and Quality Management System.
Trust is not an advertising campaign!
The Tandem brand was chosen for the second time as a Superbrand (Superbrand on the Bulgarian market) in the Meat Products category.
A dream for a national team in the economy!
For the third time the owner of Tandem Mr. Kiril Vatev was elected Chairman of the Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria.
Social responsibility is not a honorary diploma!
Tandem is a co-founder of the Bulgarian Food Bank, whose goal is to collect donations and distribute food products to people who do not have enough money to eat properly.
Favourite brand!
Tandem was selected the No. 1 brand in the Favourite brands consumer ranking in the Food Products category.
Logical… and organic!
Tandem met the requirements for the production of organic products!
20 years Tandem!
Tandem celebrated its twentieth anniversary by organising the 1st conference “The Power of Good Food! ”. The success of the initiative and the importance of nutrition and health topics led to the decision to hold an annual conference.
Consumer trust – the greatest recognition for Tandem!
For the second year in a row, the Tandem brand has been nominated in the Favourite Brands consumer ranking
and received the No 1 Favourite Brand award in the Meat Products category, and Tandem Organic Pork Fillet was chosen by consumers as a favourite product in the Organic products category.
Maystor v Zanayata!
Our admiration for the strength of spirit and talent of the Bulgarian artisans, who lived and worked in the Central Balkans, prompted us to develop a new series of products. Inspired by the richness and traditions of this geographical region, we recreated the authentic taste of the masterfully crafted raw-dried products.
We named the series of products Tandem Maystor v Zanayata.
Informed choice!
Everyone wants to eat healthy, be careful not to be misled by inaccurate information, fear for their health! There is only one solution – COMPETENCE, AUTHENTICITY AND BALANCE.
Tandem organises the Second Conference “The Power of Good Food”, dedicated to confidence and peace of mind when choosing food, the pleasure of eating and a healthy lifestyle.
