Devon Coulter was recently afforded the position of branch manager at tna Solutions South Africa. Tennille Aron at Food Review recently spoke to Devon Coulter about his new role at the company.
Q. Please tell us a little bit more about yourself
My experience spans packaging, industrial equipment, food and beverage, and FMCG, among others. Having held senior positions in key account management and business development, my strong suit lies in being able to develop tailor-made strategic solutions that are both, relevant and effective to emerging and developing African markets and their challenges.
Q. You have just been announced as the new branch manager for tna Solutions South Africa. What are you most looking forward to in this new role?
My priorities are to enhance tna’s footprint across South Africa as well as sub-Saharan Africa. My aim is to help the company continue collaborating with prospective customers to offer solutions that enable them to stay abreast and ahead of consumer trends, while also ensuring that our existing customers continue to receive the high levels of service, that tna is acknowledged for.
Q. In the South African food processing market, where do you think the biggest potential lies?
I believe there is untapped potential both in the confectionery and snacks segments. This is where an end-to-end solutions provider like tna can support the growth and development of the industry and support the region’s economic growth. Recent statistics indicate in a post-pandemic environment, consumer confidence is on the rise, with revenues expected to grow at an annual rate (CAGR 2022-2025) of 6.51%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$182.70m by 2025.
Q. What is the motto that you live by in your own life?
My personal mantra is: Treat others as you wish to be treated. Work hard, persevere, and evolve. Honesty and integrity are of paramount importance to me.
Q. Why is it great to work for a company like tna Solutions?
tna’s journey, which started off as a dream in a home kitchen in Australia and has since grown to a global enterprise with over 30 sales offices, installations in over 120 countries, and starting off as a single packaging machine company to becoming a complete food processing solutions provider, is a story that inspired me to become part of the team. The company’s motto of business with a purpose is demonstrated in the meaningful contribution that it is making to society through the philanthropic work enabled by the Nadia & Alf Taylor Foundation, which supports vulnerable children, especially in education, across 39 countries, over the last 20 years.
A family-owned enterprise with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds ensures that tna is rooted in a culture of diversity and inclusion and that makes it a great place to work.
Q. What trends do you think we can expect in the South African food and beverage packaging industry in the next couple of years?
The South African food processing industry has high production demands and low margins. With an evolving consumer preference, manufacturers are constantly challenged to meet and surpass expectations. Of the six key consumer trends in food manufacturing, digitalisation will be key in the management of data to drive efficiencies and enhance performance as well as in the reduction and elimination of downtime.
Q. Being in such a high stress environment, what do you do to de-stress?
I enjoy cycling, more because it helps me in my quest to explore new coffee spots, rather than the urge to becoming a super-fit racing warrior. I am a big Springbok supporter, especially when they win. There’s of course the love for travel, experience new places, people, food and wine.
I also enjoy reading non-fiction books, enjoy Formula 1 racing (holding thumbs this returns to SA very soon). Recently, I am trying to experience as many different whiskies as possible (not all at once and very much in moderation to appreciate the taste).
However, the best stress relievers in my life are my dogs and nothing calms me down more than being with and walking my 2 Jack Russells. With all these hobbies and my Jack Russells, I’ll be surprised if I’m ever stressed.
