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With the introduction of its ergonomically shaped spice mill with integrated grinder, Austrian spice manufacturer Kotányi hit the nerve of the times. Over the years, not only has the grinder been improved, but thanks to glass packaging manufacturer Vetropack, the grinder has also become lighter and lighter despite a slight increase in capacity.
Almost everyone in Austria knows them: The Iconic spice grinder with its shape reminiscent of an hourglass and the built-in grinder makes everyday and exotic spices accessible in a special way. It is manufactured by the traditional Austrian company Kotányi; the glass containers for this have been supplied by the Swiss group of companies since 2003 Vetropack.
The beginnings of the Kotányi family business go back even further, as the company was already was founded in 1881 in Szeged, Hungary, as a paprika factory and soon expanded to Vienna. Exactly 100 years later, CEO Erwin Kotányi joined the company at the age of just 24. For more than 40 years, he has led Kotányi in the fourth generation and remembers:
„Following the takeover of a market competitor in the mid-1980s, we were in a very good position to expand internationally. The fall of the Iron Curtain was another opportunity for us: thanks to our pioneering and innovative spirit, we were able to quickly gain a foothold, particularly in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, where we still hold a high market share today.“
Tradition combines diversity and sustainability
With 450 spice blends, over 5,000 country-specific products and more than 650 employees, Kotányi is now a globally recognised brand. Production takes place exclusively in Wolkersdorf near Vienna, now Kotányi delivers to 32 countries worldwide. „Even after 20 years, the spice grinder is still proving to be a door opener for new markets. We see ourselves as an innovation leader and are constantly investing in products and technologies,“ emphasises the CEO. Of course, you also have to Take account of changing cooking and eating habitsThese include, for example, health-conscious and meat-free food, but also more spiciness and trends such as smoky flavours.
The spice mill celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. It is currently available in over 70 varieties, from „Himalayan salt“ to „smoked chipotle chilli“. The The range varies from country to country depending on tradition and taste.
„I can still remember the development of the grinder in September 2002. The special thing about it is not only its characteristic shape, but it is also very practical: you can use it not only for cooking, but also for seasoning at the table or refining coffee,“ explains Elisabeth Eckmayr, Product Manager at Vetropack Austria, who has been with the company for over 20 years. Since the Production start-up in 2003, the volume has multiplied, so that at the Vetropack glassworks in Pöchlarn (Austria) a own production line set up for the manufacture of spice mills was.
More content despite lighter packaging
Initially, the container had a capacity of 97 millilitres with a glass weight of 127 grams. Over the years, the Product always lighter and could hold more content. „We review our packaging every six to eight years or so. On the one hand, this is important in order to stay ahead of the competition on the shelves and in the catering trade. On the other hand, it is increasingly about Sustainability - every gram less saves energy and emissions along the entire value chain“, emphasises Erwin Kotányi.
The mill has also undergone further functional development: „In 2011, the mouth was adapted, and in 2012, in collaboration with Kotányi, we switched to a two-stage grinder - coarse or fine,“ reports Eckmayr. „Today The grinder holds 101 millilitres and currently weighs 108 grams, in future it will weigh just 106 grams. This corresponds to a weight reduction of 16.5 per cent in the last 20 years.“
Synergies for the environment
Kotányi has enjoyed a long and fruitful business relationship with Vetropack, which really took off in 2002 with the development of the grinder. Vetropack also supplies two other spice jars, each with a capacity of 110 millilitres and weighing 95 grams. „Vetropack's proximity to us, its delivery reliability and flexibility when quantities fluctuate, but above all its innovative strength and field service expertise make it a valuable partner,“ says Alexander Eidelpes, Head of Purchasing at Kotányi. „In the future, we want to work even more closely together to maximise our optimise joint processes, for example with regard to CO2-reduction, energy sourcing and sustainability communication - especially when it comes to disposing of the jars. Of course, innovations in packaging are also possible at any time. In terms of product diversity and innovation, we can always rely on Vetropack.“
The spice mill will continue to play a central role for Kotányi in the future: The company is currently in talks with distributors to prepare for market entry in England. „The Mühle is very successful worldwide and often manages without much marketing. It stands out on the shelf and combines attractive design with high quality and functionality. Vetropack has played a big part in this,“ summarises Erwin Kotányi.
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