SAMER SAMAHA, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR MAGHREB & WEST AFRICA

“The positive side? The speed of adaptation and the flexibility of Swiss companies!”

Where does your company stand in Morocco today (activity, short-time working…)?

While complying with the authorities’ instructions and the health rules on distancing, the centre of excellence in Casablanca is operational for the application laboratories only, while the sales and marketing department continues to serve our customers by working remotely. Thus, despite all the constraints, Givaudan manages to handle and serve all our partners’ needs, especially as the food industry is one of the essential sectors during this crisis.

What arrangements have you put in place to ensure the continuity of your business and guarantee the safety of your teams?

All employees are allowed to travel while complying with the instructions of the local authorities, and of course the rules on distancing, sterilisation and wearing masks are compulsory in the laboratories of the centre of excellence in Casablanca

The recovery is gradually getting under way… How do you approach it?

The Givaudan teams are ready for the recovery, with adaptation measures to serve our partners even better, especially for the post-COVID 19 period, which is new for everyone. Several arrangements have been put in place so that our partners in the Maghreb and West Africa region always receive the best service, and to present to them our new solutions and our innovations in the world of flavours in the beverage, dairy, confectionery, stock, snack sectors….

In your view, what would be the positive aspect of this crisis?

Despite the atrocity of this health crisis and the negative outcomes that have affected many countries, industries and families, one positive aspect can be drawn: the speed of adaptation, the innovation and the flexibility of Swiss companies, including Givaudan, which continue to provide excellent service to their partners.