EURO POOL SYSTEM: OUR ACTIVITIES REQUIRE STATE-OF-THE-ART STORAGE JOAN LACOSTA: OUR BRAND AND FORMULA SHOULD FIND A GOOD FIT IN 2015 PORT OF EDITORIAL page 3 GET OUT OF THE GROWTH TRAP! DEAR READER, The opening of Expo Real 2015 in To learn more about our plans for Munich is just around the corner, and the Spanish market, I encourage right on time for this important event you to read the interview with our We create space for your success. in the European real estate sector our new colleague there, Joan Lacosta. magazine VGP Location3 is making its Should you wish to discuss with appearance in its 11th edition. us in person about what we have to www.vgpparks.eu We have chosen Spain to be offer, we cordially invite you to visit the geographic focal point of our us at Stand C2.130 in Munich. We can magazine on this occasion – and discuss your individual questions for good reason. Not only does over a drink, and you will have an that country offer great potential opportunity to learn first-hand and in to our clientele and to us, but, in detail about our services portfolio. If addition to Central and Eastern you do not plan to be at the trade fair, Europe, Spain is now a focus of we will be pleased to be in contact as Visit us at stand: our expansion. In the first half of will be most convenient for you. We 2015, we opened a new office in the are pleased to be at your disposal. Catalonian metropolis of Barcelona. C2.130 Best regards, Jan Van Geet

03 editorial

04 news

06 project / VGP PARK OLOMOUC: TEAMING KNOWLEDGE WITH INDUSTRY

08 business / EURO POOL SYSTEM: OUR ACTIVITIES REQUIRE STATE-OF-THE-ART STORAGE

11 excursion / BARCELONA: THE GREAT ENCHANTRESS

15 our team / NEW PEOPLE IN THE VGP TEAM

16 quo vadis / JOAN LACOSTA: OUR BRAND AND FORMULA SHOULD FIND A GOOD FIT IN SPAIN

18 brand story / UNDER THE SIGN OF THE CENTAUR – ROSSMANN ON A GROWTH COURSE

20 interview / PORT OF BARCELONA

24 dreams / CINCO JOTAS: EPICUREAN DELIGHT FROM A GOURMET PIG published by editors Jan Van Geet, Petra Roušarová design Markéta Hanzalová, www.colmo.cz VGP authors of texts VGP, FleishmanHillard print ASTRON studio CZ, a. s. 26 do you need space? Jenišovice 59 Germany GmbH, English Editorial Services, s.r.o. 468 33 Jenišovice u Jablonce nad Nisou photography archiv VGP, www.shuttestock.com, MK ČR E 20480 tel.: 00420 483 346 060 Foto RAF, www.fotoraf.cz [email protected] Pavel Horák, www.phph.cz www.vgpparks.eu copywriting in English issue 11, volume VIII. English Editorial Services, s.r.o. 2015 location3 page 4 NEWS NEWS page 5

a net of € 43.4 million (€ 2.23 per share) in the first six months of the VGP STARTS OUT STRONG IN 2015’S previous year. Increased demand VGP LAUNCHES for lettable area drove the signing FIRST HALF AND CONTINUES ITS of more than € 11.3 million in new CONSTRUCTION GROWTH STRATEGY lease contracts. The Group’s prop- erty portfolio reached an occupancy OF PRE-LEASED rate of 94.8% as at the end of June FACILITY IN During the first half of 2015, VGP its € 5 million of newly signed lease 2015, which compares to a 94.0% continued its strong performance contracts, Germany was also the rate as at 31 December 2014. Com- HUNGARY in project development and leasing main growth driver in the Group. In mitted annualised rent income of semi-industrial properties while other markets, including Slovakia, increased by 46.5% to € 33.1 million VGP Park Rodgau achieving record results. Germany the Czech Republic, as well as Estonia (higher by € 10.5 million against In August, VGP completed acquisi- confirmed its role as the Group’s and Romania, development and leas- the figure for 31 December 2014). tion of an 85,000 m2 land plot in leading growth market, as more ing activities also were successful. The investment property portfolio Alsónémedi, Hungary. The plot is than 50% of the current develop- VGP earned a net profit of € 32.2 mil- now includes 25 completed building located close to Budapest along the ment projects under construction lion (€ 1.73 per share) in 2015’s comprising 365,971 m2 of lettable M0 Ring Road. The location is ideal are located there. Moreover, with first half (through 30 June) versus area while another 19 buildings are for any logistics operation, as all under construction and encompass major Hungarian motorways – the 322,014 m2 of lettable area. VGP also M1, M3, M5, M6 and M7 – are acces- VGP Park Pilsen expanded its land bank. As at the end sible within 30 km. VGP is delighted of June 2015, the land bank included to report that a lease contract 954,000 m2 of new development are- already was signed with Nagel- as which are expected to be acquired Group, one of the leading companies in the second half. Additional new for food logistics in Europe and the Visualization of Rhenus Pharma warehouse land plots are being targeted and number-one provider in the German should be secured in the second half market. Established in 1935 as a of 2015 in order to further strength- family business, Nagel-Group today en the development pipeline. The net owns a European network with more RHENUS PHARMA SERVICES valuation of the property portfolio as than 100 locations in 16 countries. at 30 June 2015 showed a net valu- It employs around 11,000 people DECIDES FOR VGP PARK RODGAU ation gain of € 48.1 million, which and operates more than 6,000 vehi- compares to the € 40.9 million gain cles. In Hungary the Nagel-Group booked as of 30 June 2014. is represented by Nagel Hungaria In the course of establishing its Rhe- a high technical level to provide the since 2004. The tailor-made facility nus Pharma Services, Rhenus, the proper access control and purifica- of 22,000 m2 will house tempera- worldwide provider of logistics ser- tion systems. With its many years of ture controlled cross-docking and vices, needed a new logistics centre experience in this area, VGP offered warehousing operations, with all in a central location. The choice fell optimal conditions. With the addition temperatures ranging from frozen to the 22-hectare VGP Park Rodgau, of Rhenus Pharma Services, nearly to ambient. Necessary permits were which features 5 halls and a total all of the park’s space is now leased. obtained during the summer and floor space of 100,000 m2. Rhenus Five additional firms from various in- construction was begun immedi- selected this site for its exceptionally dustries have obtained their needed ately. The handover is planned for favourable transport location and, capacities at the park. These include February 2016. most of all, because of its fittingly Rossmann and PTG Lohnabfüllung. close proximity to the cluster of phar- Recently, A&O GmbH, a firm special- maceutical firms in the Frankfurt ising in dispatching catalogues and Finalizing works Rhine-Main metropolitan area. The magazines, and the logistics services completion and opening of the new company Geis Industrie-Services Rhenus Pharma Services logistics have joined the list of future les- centre is planned for the spring of sees at VGP Park Rodgau. Last year, 2016. On 42,000 m2, Rhenus will be Rhenus contracted with VGP for warehousing sophisticated pharma- constructing 50,000 m2 of warehouse ceutical products which are sensitive space for import and export goods at to temperature, light and humid- VGP Park Hamburg. The first part of ity conditions. That means that not that facility, encompassing 30,000 m2 only does location play a central role will be handed over in October. The VGP Park Borna but so, too, do the possibilities for second stage is expected to be com- installing the needed capacities at pleted prior to 2017.

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 6 PROJECT PROJECT page 7

VGP Park Olomouc, visualisation Building G2

approximately 47 hectares, the site 20,000 m2 of space. VGP’s strong is the logistics company Fénix Solu- will offer solutions to a great variety belief and confidence in the location tions, which exclusively provides of clients, ranging from small and has been supported not only by its logistic services for HELLA Autotech- medium enterprises to established previous development success in the nik s.r.o., a part of the German Hella logistics providers, manufacturers, Olomouc area but also by the fact Group supplying automotive lighting and clients looking for tailor-made that it swiftly concluded lease agree- and electronics components and real estate solutions. The close prox- ments with two tenants which filled systems for the OEM and aftermarket imity to the city will ensure access to the entirety of the distribution cen- automotive segments. a skilled labour force, and the park tre that is building G2. The project Buildings G1 and G3 are presently will provide excellent vehicular ac- will be carried out in several phases under construction. They will offer a VGP Park Olomouc, visualisation cess to the main roads heading to in order to provide a sufficient pipe- total of 37,540 m2 of space for manu- Brno, Ostrava, and Hradec Králové.” line of new space.” facturing, logistics or commercial The plans for the Olomouc site call Among the first tenants at the park activity. The buildings are designed for developing 230,000 m2 of lease- are Euro Pool System, an internation- with an emphasis on maximising flex- is positioned to tap into a sizeable able space on 480,000 m2 of land. al producer of highly hygienic plastic ibility and efficiency. Lease spaces and cost-competitive workforce with “In addition to the land,” Mr Kovařík trays, crates and pallets for logistics are available in sizes from 1,000 m2 TEAMING above-average qualifications. Olomouc explains, “VGP has also purchased a and handling of fresh food products. and larger. All spaces can be custom- is home to nearly 100,000 residents building under construction that is (See interview with Mr Úředníček on ised to meet the specific needs of and has one of the lowest average known as G2 and is providing about page 8). Another of the early tenants individual clients. wage levels in the country. KNOWLEDGE The park is situated at the inter- section of the R46 and R35 motor- ways on Olomouc’s south-west pe- riphery. The R46 leads to Prostějov, WITH INDUSTRY which is just 15 km away and contin- ues to the country’s main transporta- tion artery, the D1 motorway, and to With its long tradition of learning centred on Brno (70 km distant). The location Palacký University, established in 1573, and an provides excellent connections also economy combining industry and agriculture, the to Ostrava to the northeast and Hra- dec Králové to the west. Olomouc Region is a land of bounteous possibilities. The new park’s strategic position, VGP’s new park in Olomouc will contribute to large size, comprehensive engineering realising that promise. infrastructure, and broad offering of supporting services make it one of the most appealing industrial property sites in central Moravia. Despite its great potential, an insuf- necessity for proper space to serve “VGP is pleased to have acquired ficiency of modern industrial busi- the needs of local entrepreneurs and an additional site in the Czech Re- ness premises has been a constraint foreign investors alike. public,” relates Petr Kovařík, com- on economic development in the Located just 10 minutes by car from mercial officer for VGP. “The VGP central Moravian industrial triangle the second-oldest university in the Park Olomouc is the latest addition that includes Olomouc, Přerov and Czech Republic and on the outskirts of to VGP’s network of parks and fills Prostějov. Technology Park Olomouc a city with some two dozen vocational a certain gap that had been exist- Aerial view is therefore a natural reaction to the technical schools, VGP’s new park ing in central Moravia. With its

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 8 BUSINESS BUSINESS page 9

EURO POOL SYSTEM: OUR ACTIVITIES REQUIRE STATE-OF-THE-ART STORAGE

When a company such as Euro Pool System is searching for storage space, it is no easy task. The international leader in returnable and reusable packaging logistics requires space not only for its crates but also for its washing facilities, waste presses and administrative facilities.

“VGP was the only company offering plastic crates for fruit and vegetables. Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). In space in a location that suited us and Over the past two decades, the com- 2014 and 2015, co-operation began demonstrating the ability to make the pany has become an important sup- with Ahold and Kaufland in the Czech necessary modifications to the ware- plier of logistics in returnable pack- Republic, Poland and Slovakia. The house by the date we required,” says aging delivery services to large retail CEE region is therefore the most dy- Svatopluk Úředníček, the company’s chains across Europe. In 2011, Euro namically developing region within In Central and Eastern Europe, green foldables are the standard Operational Manager for Central and Pool System acquired LPR, which the entire company, with year-on- Eastern Europe, in an interview with leases pallets, and thereby extended year growth in handled crate turn- our magazine. Euro Pool System’s its product offer. over reaching as high as 100%. from the stores, and washes them at pressing of sorted paper and plastic on transport costs. Availability to second depot in the Czech Republic our warehouses, which are equipped waste, which is transported to our collect from our depots is guaran- will open in Olomouc in November Could you pinpoint some In your case, returnable with special industrial washing facili- depots directly from business units. teed within 48 hours, and the crates and offer more than 8,000 m2. Q of the company’s successes Q packaging comprises ties. Crate washing must conform to The LPR division focuses on leasing are always clean and presentable for in the Czech Republic? in particular durable crates strict hygiene standards so that the “red” pallets. direct sale in shops. These are the Could you summarise The company has been operating on for goods, in particular food, crates can again travel to growers main reasons behind our company’s Q your international the Czech market since 2002, but vegetables, meat and other who fill them with unpackaged veg- Judging by your growth, success and development in the company’s story? it has seen significant sales growth gastronomic products. Which etables and fruit. Q you are doing well in Czech Republic and other countries Euro Pool System was founded in since 2011 when it began co-operat- companies are your most the Czech Republic. in our CEE region. 1992 by Dutch, German and Belgian ing with Globus. This was followed frequent customers? What other services can you Our crates have high added value auction associations who joined in 2013 by initiation of co-operation Our main customers are fruit and Q offer companies? because the possibility to fold empty Your work requires enormous forces to standardise their packaging with Tesco in not only the Czech vegetable growers, both those op- For some chains, we also ensure crates offers us considerable savings Q storage capacities. What are management into unified foldable Republic but also other countries in erating on the domestic market and your requirements for leased halls? those abroad which import their Our activities at individual depots goods into CEE and sell them via require state-of-the-art Class A stor- the big retail chains. Packaged meat Each tray has a 2D bar code for optimal tracking and tracing age equipped with sprinklers [a fire products comprise another commod- protection system – editor’s note] ity which can be transported in our and standard ramps, ideally with one crates. Increasing volume in this seg- ramp per about 600 m2. For instal- ment is our current priority. lation of our technical equipment (which means installation of washing What is the process of a facilities and presses), we require Q returnable crate’s journey? warehouse modifications costing Our customer collects crates from our on the order of tens of millions of warehouse and fills them with goods. crowns. The crates travel through retailers’ distribution centres into shops where You currently have one the goods are offered to customers Q depot in Úžice, not far directly from the crates. Our company from Prague on the highway to Returnable plastic trays during washing collects used crates from distribution Germany. Is the hall only for centres, where they were brought storage or do you also have

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 10 BUSINESS EXCURSION page 11

and Kaufland are located, and our

Pressing of sorted paper and plastic waste company must be as close as possi- Barcelona ble to these centres so as to optimise transport costs.

You have 13,100 m2 of Q storage space leased near Prague. How much will there be in Olomouc? Do you have any special requirements of VGP? In Olomouc, we will lease about 8,000 m2. VGP is preparing the ware- house for installation of washing facilities with annual capacity of 30 million crates.

Do the halls for storing and Q washing returnable packaging require any special ventilation, water treatment or tanks? Our depots must be equipped with ventilation around the washing facili- ties, as otherwise the humidity and washing facilities or other But this capacity is no condensed water arising there would automated lines there? Q longer sufficient and so adversely affect the warehouse’s At the Úžice depot, as at our standard you are looking for new space, metal structure and technical equip- depots, we store a supply of clean specifically in Olomouc. Why did ment. Water treatment and storage crates and used crates ready to be you turn to VGP? are necessary to ensure smooth and washed as well as various returnable VGP was the only company offering high-quality washing of the crates. packaging from Tesco’s suppliers and space in a location that suited us and processed sorted paper and plastic demonstrating the ability to make When do you intend to open waste. Úžice has washing facilities the necessary modifications to the Q the new centre and is any with annual capacity of 30 million warehouse by the date we required. work already underway? Will you washed crates as well as two presses also offer work to people from the which can annually process approxi- So why near Olomouc? Olomouc region? mately 30,000 tonnes of waste. Q Olomouc is where the distri- Our depot is currently under construc- bution centres of our clients Ahold tion and is planned for completion at the end of November. The depot will THE GREAT ENCHANTRESS SVATOPLUK ÚŘEDNÍČEK offer positions for 30 employees. Svatopluk was born in 1967 in Uherské Hradiště. He studied electronics at the How long have you been Barcelona is a city of Mediterranean colour that has Barcelona became the capital of the Antonín Zápotocký Military Academy Q Operational Manager for County of Barcelona when Charle- in Brno with a focus on control systems Central and Eastern Europe at attracted travellers and inspired artists for centuries. magne’s son Louis made it the seat of and then spent a year aft er the Velvet Euro Pool System and what has Claudia Palmeros, trained as an architect and in fine arts, the Carolingian “Marca Hispanica” in Revolution at the University of Minnesota your career been like? has been living and teaching in Barcelona since 2006. 801. In 1137, Aragón and the County to improve his English. For 4 years, I have been Operational Manager of Barcelona joined into what became he served in an army regiment at the for CEE at our company since 2013. She writes here about her adopted city. known as the Crown of Aragón, which Rokycany base. Following this, he worked After many years in the management conquered many overseas territories as a key account manager for Baťa of the Czech branch of the French and ruled the western Mediterranean and had a long career with the Norbert logistics company Norbert Dentres- Barcelona, located on the north-east- Shaped by a long history Sea (as well as Naples, Sicily, and Ath- Dentressangle logistics group, the last sangle, it was a great challenge for ern coast of Spain, is a cosmopolitan A Roman military camp established ens) in the 13th century. fours years with responsibility for all me to manage the operations of a city, boasting a unique identity which around 15 BC (though remains of Barcelona went into decline when subsidiaries in the Czech Republic. He company operating in Central and reflects its rich history, culture, and early settlements dating back to the Crowns of Castile and Aragón has been at Euro Pool System since Eastern Europe. In addition, Euro traditions. The poet Joan Maragall 5,500 BC have been found in the pres- merged following the marriage of 2013. In his personal time and as work Pool System is developing very dy- called it La Gran Encisera, so besotted ent-day neighbourhood of Raval), Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II obligations permit, Svatopluk enjoys namically. Participating in this de- was he with this beautiful Mediter- Barcelona was conquered by the of Aragón in 1469, as Madrid became participating in sports. He especially likes velopment was very appealing, and ranean city’s many charms which de- Visigoths in the early 5th century and the centre of political power and the mountain biking as well as motorcycling. it has met my expectations. light visitors from all over the world. later by the Arabs in the 8th century. colonisation of the Americas reduced

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 12 EXCURSION EXCURSION page 13

a multicultural touch to the city’s Closer to the city centre, a walk in the aqueduct, or the columns of the Hospital de la Santa Creu, which now already diverse, yet proudly Catalan, the (the city’s temple of Augustus are excellent ex- houses the National Library of Cata- distinctive character. second largest), is also a tempting amples of the Roman presence in the lunya, the Escola Massana, and the In- option as it houses the Barcelona Zoo city. Not far from there, just across stitut d’Estudis Catalans. The fountain A sunny plain joining and the Parliament of . Park the Rambles, the Romanesque mon- in the peaceful courtyard within the mountains and sea Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site astery of Sant Pau del Camp stoically former hospital complex is the per- Nestled between the Serra de Coll- designed by renowned Modernist bears witness to the passage of time. fect place to sit for a moment of quiet serola and the Mediterranean Sea, architect Antoni Gaudí, is a beautiful Its cloister with Islamic-influenced reflection before continuing with the and the rivers Besòs to the north and garden where organic forms display lobular arcades is a true haven of exploration of these neighbourhoods’ Llobregat to the south-west, Barce- a playful extravaganza of colour, peace amidst the boisterous goings- hidden treasures. lona occupies 101 km2 of plain and is seamlessly blending nature and ar- on of multicultural Raval. 120 km south of the Catalan border chitecture, and offering visitors a Civil and religious Gothic architec- Modernism dwells in l’Eixample with France in the Pyrenees. The city fantastic perspective of the city from ture peppers the beautiful historic Most of Barcelona’s Modernist ar- enjoys a Mediterranean climate with the Gràcia district. streets of Ciutat Vella, the prime ex- chitecture is located in the Eixample an average annual temperature of amples being the Cathedral of the district, but Modernist artists met 20 °C and 2,425 hours of sunshine Architecture through Holy Cross and Santa Eulàlia in Barri and made merry at Casa Martí, bet- per year. This makes Barcelona the three millennia Gòtic. Also in Barri Gòtic, traces of its ter known as , on the perfect place for an outdoor stroll at Barcelona’s dimensions make it a once thriving Jewish population can ground floor of a bohemian building one of its many parks or beaches. The relatively easy city to see on foot. A still be seen today: the Major Syna- designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch in hill of Montjuïc to the south-east is walk about Ciutat Vella, the historic gogue on Carrer Marlet or the ruins of Carrer Montsió. A stone’s throw away, Casa Batlló © Cristina Muraca home to the city’s biggest park which district, is a great starting point from one of the old city’s mikvahs remind the Palau de la Música Catalana (by includes the Jardí Botànic, as well as which to discover the city’s attrac- us of this place’s rich cultural heritage. Lluís Domènech i Montaner) is music the gardens of Joan Maragall, Mossèn tions. The barris (neighbourhoods) Other Gothic buildings well worth a in stone (or architecture in motion, the importance of the Mediterranean area. Much of the urbanisation in Cinto Verdaguer, and Joan Brossa. of Raval, Gòtic, Born, and Barceloneta visit are the church of Santa Maria del perhaps), as colourful trencadissos trade. Barcelona would have to wait Barcelona’s newer neighbourhoods Montjuïc is also home to several are full of character and gorgeous Mar, the (which was turn into three-dimensional muses some 300 years for the tide to turn: it took place in the post-war years, sig- interesting sights: Montjuïc Castle, architecture spanning three millen- the medieval residence of the sover- that almost come to life in this de- was not until the start of industriali- nificantly changing its physiognomy. at the top of the hill, offers stunning nia: the Roman necropolis at Plaça eign Counts of Barcelona, later Kings lightful UNESCO World Heritage Site. sation that the city began to see some The city has since seen many im- views of the city. The Museu Nacional de la Vila de Madrid, the ruins of of Aragón), the Royal Shipyard, or the Barcelona architect Oscar Tusquets, improvement in development and provements, but it was the Olympic d’Art de Catalunya features an ex- growth. In 1888, Barcelona hosted Games in 1992 that truly placed the quisite collection of Catalan Roman- the International Exposition (it capital of Catalonia high in travel des- esque art, and further down the road would do so again in 1929) and this tination rankings: since the Games, the Fundació Joan Miró exhibits an led to a considerable extension of its the number of visitors to the city has outstanding collection of the Catalan urbanised area. Economic prosperity increased fourfold. One could very artist’s dream-like works. The Barce- brought a resurgence in Catalan cul- well argue that Barcelona opened to lona Pavilion, a pioneering modern ture (the so-called Renaixença) and a the world in 1992; today, the city is architecture project designed by Lud- renewed appreciation of the Catalan indeed a melting pot where cultures wig Mies Van der Rohe for the 1929 language. Modernist architecture converge, a magnet of sorts, attract- International Exposition, is located at emerged as a vehicle for expressing ing visitors and immigrants who add the base of the hill. these new cultural leanings, taking historical Catalan Gothic forms and modernising them into a distinct Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia style shaped by a transformed sense of national identity.

Conspicuously multicultural, proudly Catalan In the 20th century, the fall of the city to Franco’s forces at the end of the Spanish Civil War meant the abolition of many of the autonomous institu- tions of Catalonia as well as suppres- sion of the Catalan language’s use in public. Barcelona was relatively in- dustrialised, though, and this result- ed in great numbers of immigrants from poorer regions of Spain coming Les Rambles © Mihai-Bogdan Lazar to settle in the city’s metropolitan

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 14 EXCURSION OUR TEAM page 15

undeniably the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, still Sagrada Família © Rodrigo Garrido NEW PEOPLE IN THE VGP TEAM unfinished, but impressive nonethe- less, its monumental spires rising into the sky as if the architect were attempting to touch the heavens with fingers of stone. FABIAN ORTH, The character and allure of the CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER historic towns that slowly amalga- Since May 2015, Fabian has been working in VGP’s Project Management mated with the city, turning it into the Department. He previously had accumulated 4 years of diverse experience as a place that it is today, are well worth construction and lead engineer in industrial and plant construction. Following discovering. Each of Barcelona’s ten his civil engineering studies in Aachen, Fabian had worked as a planner. He lives districts has a particular feel, be this a in Düsseldorf with his family and is the proud father of two children. In his free reminder of the past, for example, like time, Fabian enjoys traveling and is active in all sorts of water sports. the Gothic monastery of Pedralbes, or an allusion to the quirky and intricate, like the Parc del Laberint d’Horta. Passion at its rawest reveals itself at JULIA KLUßMANN the sports temple of Camp Nou, in After her studies in civil engineering and architecture, Julia began her Les Corts district, where football fans professional career as a project manager and sales engineer in a large general in charge of the extension to the worship larger-than-life men playing contracting firm. From September 2015, she is working at VGP Industriebau Palau in 1989, combined Modernist ABOUT THE AUTHOR a game that elicits sincere emotion, GmbH in Düsseldorf where she is responsible for dealing with potential clients. and Modern through colour and an Born to an American father and Mexican a reflection of a city’s pride in what Julia likes most to spend her spare time with her family and friends. impeccable use of materials creating mother, CLAUDIA PALMEROS has lived in makes it truly exceptional. light and lightness, much like the roof New York City, Mexico City, Washington, The old gives way to the new and on the Mercat de Santa Caterina close DC and, since 2006, Barcelona. She is majestic buildings rising in Bar- by. The bright colours of the market’s trained as an architect and also studied celona’s characteristic skyline: Sir roof, designed by the late Enric Mi- fine arts. We asked what is her personal Norman Foster’s telecommunica- ralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, evoke favourite thing about Barcelona: “If tions tower stands high on Tibidabo the fruit stands inside. I had to sum it up with just one word,” mountain, overlooking the city below The Eixample district showcases she says, “I would choose a Catalan one, with elegant lines that defy conven- MARTIN RIEDEL, Barcelona’s elegant efforts in urban tarannà, which refers to the character, tion, while Jean Nouvel’s Torre Agbar REGIONAL MANAGER planning with grid-like streets that the personality, or the way one does offers a night-time feast of colour on Martin works for VGP as regional manager for Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, where traverse the city in parallel and per- things. My favourite thing about its curved façade, reminding us that he is responsible for land acquisition and initiating new projects. He also is tasked with pendicular dances connecting the Barcelona is its tarannà, its special this is, first and foremost, a city of leading the Munich office. Upon completing his studies in business administration, old city with the historic towns of character and charm, the way it is open, Mediterranean colour that has at- Martin had worked at Ernst & Young in Luxembourg within the real estate sector. Most Santa Maria de Sants, Les Corts de yet very proudly Catalan in spirit.” tracted travellers and inspired artists recently, he worked in the real estate management firm aurelis in Germany. His hobbies Sarrià, Sant Gervasi de Cassoles, Grà- for centuries. include travel, cooking, as well as learning languages und European history. Martin likes cia, and Sant Martí de Provençals, most of all, however, to spend his free time in the mountains and racing bicycles. now districts of their own (Sants- Montjuïc, Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Gràcia, Horta-Guinardó, and Sant Martí). Two of Gaudí’s Modern- LUISA WOLF, ist masterpieces are located along RECEPTIONIST chic Passeig de Gràcia: Casa Milà’s Luisa is a native of Ibbenbüren in the Münster region and she has been quarry-like exterior hints to the living in Düsseldorf since 2014. After completing secondary school, she exquisite organic forms in the apart- continued her studies in hotel management and also studied translation and ments inside, while Casa Batlló is an interpreting in Spain. Luisa returned to Germany in 2013 and worked for 2 ode to the triumph of Saint George years in reception in the hotel sector. She has been a member of the VGP team over the dragon with sinuous forms since July of 2015. When she is not working, Luisa loves best to be in a stable giving free reign to the imagination. with horses or to relax with friends and family. Right next to Casa Batlló, Casa Ame- tller (restored at the turn of the 20th century by Puig i Cadafalch) has been turned into a museum offering visitors yet another look at Catalan Modernist architecture. The crown Rambla de Mar over Port Vell in the evening jewel in Eixample, however, is quite

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 16 QUO VADIS QUO VADIS page 17

VGP has been growing to the north, east the crisis, Spain has been constrained (editor’s note: Mr Lacosta earned an Are there any particularities and, most recently, west (into Germany). It by an historical lack of new property MBA at EADA Business School in Bar- Q about the Spanish market was just a matter of time before the devel- development and construction of celona) gives me a range of knowl- for semi-industrial real estate oper of semi-industrial properties would high-quality buildings. That means the edge of the Spanish market that or the business environment head south. VGP opened a new office in good parks in prime areas are prac- should allow us to accelerate VGP’s generally that investors should be Barcelona during the first half of 2015 and tically full. Our main challenge will launch into that market. aware of as they grow into is presently focused on making its initial revolve around finding good locations that market? land acquisitions in Spain. The first transac- which will allow for the development What industries and Not for VGP. I think the company tions should be completed before the close of medium to large industrial and Q economic or other factors can continue to move forward with of 2015. logistics parks. Competition is fierce, are driving growth for semi- its philosophy of creating a high- Joan Lacosta, a Barcelona native with nearly though, for the actual acquisition of industrial real estate in the quality product in the most repre- two decades of experience in Spain’s construc- these specific properties. Spanish market? sentative zones within each coun- tion, design & build, and logistics segments Even through the long years of the try. Beyond the possibly greater has come on board as Spain Country Manager Please explain how you see economic crisis, there have always fluctuations in rents and yields that and to get the operations moving forward. Mr Q your role within VGP and its been sectors which, because of their we might see in Spain in compari- Lacosta previously was country and key ac- entry to the Spanish market. basic development needs, have con- son to, say, Germany at any given counts manager for GSE Spain, a subsidiary of Because this is the first branch that tinued to invest intensively into logis- time, there is still a very long trajec- the French GSE Group which specialises in the VGP is opening in Southern Europe tics. They view doing so as a funda- tory ahead for the logistics sector turnkey construction of industrial and logis- there are obvious challenges to be mental part of their core businesses. in our country. The lack of class tics buildings. met, and this can only be approached Good examples of this can be seen in A industrial and logistics parks in stages. In this first implementation food distribution, such as the big re- in Spain’s prime zones is the best VGP is just now entering the Spanish phase we will focus our efforts on tail names like Mercadona, Consum, guarantee of stability for this type Q market. What are the regions in acquiring land, which is the essential Carrefour, Lidl and Aldi. Then, too, of product in the long run. which the company plans to build and resource to tackle the subsequent there are important Spanish brands operate its parks? Will there be an initial phases of building the parks, leasing in the fashion world – like Zara, Man- What kind of companies focus in one or more areas and then a roll- the buildings, and providing property go, Desigual and others – which are Q and/or industries will VGP out to others? and facilities management services. attracting a lot of attention and pro- target as clients in the Spanish Fortunately, Spain has two large main markets Another fundamental theme of our ducing great results. In a similar vein, market? which stand well above the others in volume launch must be to make the VGP car sales are already in their second The road ahead towards improving terms. These are Catalonia and what we call brand known to the Spanish market. year of growth. The IMF ranks Spain logistics in Spain is so important that the Central Zone, which includes Madrid and Building the visibility and reputation at the top for growth among the de- a great many companies and sectors its surrounding area. This Central Zone ex- of a brand in markets as mature as veloped countries with an expected will make a good fit with the formula tends up to 90 km from Madrid – along the ours will be absolutely essential if we 3.1% expansion rate in 2015. This that VGP offers. In addition to food Corredor de Henares axis (toward Guadala- wish to compete head to head with translates into good prospects for distribution, fashion, and automotive, jara) and from Madrid to the south. Consider- renowned companies that have been the FMCG segment. This is the “click” there can be no doubt that e-com- ing that we are setting up a company branch present in Spain for a long time. In we were all hoping for, and it is how merce will give us a lot to talk about in a new country, human resources are limited short, the VGP brand is a key asset foreign investors who since January in the years ahead. at the outset and so we will be focusing all our which must be created here. have been flocking en masse to invest JOAN LACOSTA: efforts during this initial launch phase into in the Spanish real estate market had What can VGP uniquely these two markets. Later on, we don’t rule out Could you please share with anticipated things would turn out. Q bring to those target weighing the possibility of approaching other Q us some highlights about clients (thereby constituting a Our brand and markets, such as the Basque Country, Andalu- your career prior to joining VGP competitive advantage for VGP)? sia, Aragon, and Valencia. and how this prepared you for JOAN LACOSTA ABOUT HIMSELF From experience, I can say with con- your new role? “Above everything else,” Joan to the fidence that those who take on re- formula should fi nd What is the current situation in the I have spent most of my professional question concerning his activities, sponsibility to provide under a single Q Spanish market for semi-industrial life in the industrial and logistics “playing with my beautiful son Alex is umbrella all the property-related ser- real estate? Is there a shortage of such warehouse construction sector. undoubtedly my biggest pleasure.” Since vices which clients need, in addition a good fi t in Spain properties or is the market already fairly That has included work on turnkey one of his son’s favourite pastimes is to designing and building the project well supplied (and therefore quite price projects and in managing compre- to play online games, Joan says he has for them, will indisputably enjoy a real competitive)? hensive operations that include quite by accident discovered “a whole competitive advantage. VGP is one of The Spanish logistics and industrial market property search, contract negotia- world of online players”. He has taken the few companies in Europe today VGP’s new Country Director for Spain says that still has a long way to go. The economic crisis tion, determining investment solu- on some tough online football matches that is truly capable of doing that. country’s industrial property and logistics markets that has affected Europe these past few years tions, and more. This extensive com- against Mexicans, Brazilians, Colombians, If in addition we add the personal still have a long run ahead of them. In this has evidenced an undeniable fact, that quality mercial experience includes almost Americans, Frenchmen, Germans, and touch and straightforward approach infrastructures are urgently needed to provide 20 years working in management others. Joan also enjoys scuba diving that the Van Geet family brings to interview, he explains why. services to large volume users who increas- at Bouygues Construction and GSE. and riding his two motorcycles – one their business, then we can state that ingly need to develop their service capabilities That in combination with my educa- for the street and the other to go off- the quality of the product VGP offers in order to be more competitive. In addition to tion in engineering and business road and get his adrenalin pumping. ranks at the top of the market.

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 18 BRAND STORY BRAND STORY page 19

Ark, helping disadvantaged chil- direct exit and entry in both direc-

Rossmann store dren), the Stiftung Weltbevölkerung tions, it is positioned 25 km from (supporting reproductive health Frankfurt’s city centre. That means and responsibility), Mentor Lese- it has access to an urban area with hilfe (helping people learn to read), around 6 million inhabitants. From Kinderhilfswerk (working against this point, Rossmann serves the child poverty), and Verein Deutsche markets in Hessen, Rhineland– Sprache (promoting the German lan- Palatinate, and Bavaria. guage around the world). Rossmann also is variously active Rossmann investing in protecting the environment. For € 2 million in VGP Park example, the company has switched The company is investing approxi- to using recycled paper in products mately € 2 million into the project. To like school exercise books and for ensure that some 2,500 various prod- its own internal documents. It is ucts warehoused here will arrive to also a member of “CEOs for Recycled the stores in a timely manner and by Paper”. Rossmann uses geothermal the shortest-possible route, 130 peo- and solar energy at the company ple are working at the site in three headquarters. Air-conditioning at its shifts. No less than 32,000 items are stores is energy efficient and utilises Dirk RoßmannXxxxx dispatched from the distribution cen- control technologies developed by tre daily on a fleet of 23 lorries. other European countries, the signs its own employees. The new distribution centre is point to expansion. Of course, Ross- company LDZ GmbH is a part of helping Rossmann to maintain its UNDER THE SIGN mann’s secret is not just about a Modern logistics Rossmann Logistik GmbH and is a uninterrupted growth, and in the comprehensive presence, but first conserve resources fully owned Rossmann subsidiary. next several years both the number and foremost its combination of In its logistics, too, the company has In addition to Berlin, Cologne and of stores supplied and the workforce product line, pricing strategy, and greatly modernised, and a new dis- Munich, it is now establishing itself will expand continuously. OF THE CENTAUR the right ambiance in every store. tribution concept has been worked in Rodgau. Rossmann Logistik GmbH For more than 40 years, Rossmann By no means of least importance is out for six regional warehouses. The itself operates the central ware- has been proving that success can be the solid image of a family company result: substantially reduced delivery house in Landsberg (Halle/Leipzig) achieved by combining an appropri- the ownership structure of which transport. Overall, the biodiesel- and two more regional distribution ate growth strategy with an attitude Rossmann on a growth course has remained essentially unchanged powered lorry fleet is today driving centres in Großburgwedel and Kiel. of responsibility and sustainability since its very founding. Although the 2–1/2 million fewer kilometres than Rossmann Logistik has leased a characteristic of many family firms. For some, family represents the good old days. For others, A.S. Watson Group, which has stores before the modernisation. With the hall with 19,000 m2 of space at the The company intends to remain on it is all about the future. Almost always, though, there exist worldwide, does have a certain help of telematics and an innovative new VGP Park Rodgau in that city’s this course in the decades to come. the same good feelings about a family-owned business. shareholding, the majority is still order-management process, Dudenhofen quarter. This location Logistics plays an important role, owned by the Roßmann family and CO2 emissions will also be reduced. fits perfectly into the company’s and here, too, Rossmann will always Most people associate family businesses with continuity, the company headquarters remain in Operating now in four regional distribution concept. Situated imme- work out optimal solutions together sustainability and a sense of responsibility. That is just the the Hannover area. distribution centres, the logistics diately alongside the B45 and with with strong partners. case for the company Dirk Rossmann GmbH. Broadly and actively committed Although an all-inclusive product Rossmann team in Rodgau assortment and appealing locations Dirk Roßmann opened his first store may be cornerstones of success, that in 1972 in Hannover. Over the next is far from being the whole story at four decades – with all their politi- Rossmann. The company takes its cal and economic highs and lows – it responsibility very seriously and its became apparent that the dedicated commitments and activities embrace entrepreneur had bet on the right much more. horse. Today there are nearly 2,000 approximately 28,000 employees The spectrum of initiatives is Rossmann stores in Germany, and in in Germany can look forward to se- far-reaching. It starts small – with 2013 the newspaper Die Welt had cure jobs and a stable outlook. The the society’s smallest members. hailed Dirk Rossmann GmbH as “Ger- employment trend within the firm Rossmann supports the “Class! Let’s many’s World Champion of Growth”. points to a rising tendency. Sing” programme, which promotes Meanwhile, the company continues Operating under its trademark collective singing in the classroom to grow. Planned new openings at centaur – half man and half horse as a means of social interaction. Ad- home and abroad are in three fig- – Rossmann is riding a wave of suc- ditional projects which Rossmann ures for the current year, and the cess. In Germany as well as five has taken on include die Arche (The

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 20 INTERVIEW INTERVIEW page 21

south and east breakwaters. These trade. Meanwhile, import containers With the desire to bring port ser-

Port of Barcelona actions have allowed to double the rose by 12%, which is related to a re- vices closer to maritime logistics port area and have created the nec- covery in domestic consumption and operators as well as to importers essary infrastructure to ensure our industrial activity. and exporters of this large region, future growth. Barcelona is the first port of the the Port of Barcelona has promoted a country in terms of the value of goods network of proximity services and in- How is the management and economic size. We are the en- frastructure at strategic points in this Q of the Port of Barcelona clave that generates most revenues territory that have taken the form currently structured, organised and most cash flow, because we have of inland maritime terminals. These and what services does it offer? greater surface area than the rest facilities help operators and freight The Port of Barcelona is the man- (1,300 hectares), more activities and companies to create more efficient ager of port infrastructure and reg- greater diversity (as we not only have logistic chains and direct their prod- ulates the use of this public space cargo traffic and passenger traffic, ucts to the Catalan capital. The key and its activities using business cri- but we also integrate the Port Vell, the facilities that make up the network of teria, while the services are mainly Logistics Activities Zone – ZAL, etc. In the Port of Barcelona are: Zaragoza supplied by private operators under addition, we specialise in high-value Maritime Terminal (tmZ); Coslada a trade licence. We are integrated goods. If you focus solely on container (Madrid), Azuqueca de Henares and in the Spanish port system, which movement, Barcelona holds the third Yunquera de Henares (Guadalajara) includes 28 port authorities man- place within the country, behind Alge- dry ports; Navarra Intermodal Ter- aging 46 ports of general interest. ciras and Valencia. However, it is note- minal; Toulouse Maritime Terminal The highest governing body of the worthy that while these enclaves have (tmT) and Perpignan St Charles Con- Port is the Administration Board, high percentages of transhipment tainer Terminal (PSCCT). which includes representatives of traffic, Barcelona specialises in hinter- the central government, the Gener- land traffic (import and export). What future infrastructures, alitat de Catalunya, the Barcelona Q both ashore and at sea, are and the Prat de Llobregat City Halls, What types of goods are the Port of Barcelona currently chambers of commerce, business Q primarily handled in the working on? Are there any future organisations and trade unions, Port, where do they come from and plans to improve the immediacy and sectors relevant in the area of where do they go? of services such as “just in time”? ports. The president of the port is As I have mentioned, the Port of Bar- Currently, we can say that the fourth PORT OF BARCELONA appointed by the Generalitat de celona specialises in general cargo major expansion of the Port of Barce- Catalunya. and high value-added goods such lona has been completed. Since 2000, Our revenues come mainly from as consumer goods, electronics and a total of € 4,000 million (half sourced Serving Europe, the Mediterranean and well beyond fees (for the goods, ships, passengers vehicles. The main recipients of full by the Port itself and the other half and, in the case of trade licence hold- containers are the United Arab Emir- from private capital) have been in- ers, for the occupation of the port ates, representing 10% of the total, vested in the expansion of the Port While standing third by container traffic, the Port of Barcelona is Spain's largest by area). In 2014, we posted revenues and China, representing 9%, followed of Barcelona. In this period, major the value of goods passing through. Focused on value-added goods and with recovery of € 154.8 million and a cash flow by Algeria and Turkey. works were carried out, such as the in domestic consumption and industrial activity, the port's outlook is positive. of € 103.7 million. Regarding imports, the origin is two breakwaters, the new container less fragmented. China tops the list terminal BEST (the most technologi- Sixte Cambra, President of the Barcelona Port Authority, discusses infrastructure In relation to the movement of the countries of origin of contain- cally advanced facility in the Medi- and environmental enhancements as well as how the port's connections to logistics Q of goods, how many erised goods arriving at the Port of terranean), the enlargement of the chains and industrial centres are being improved. containers were moved in the Barcelona, with almost 40% of all Barcelona Container Terminal (TCB), Port of Barcelona last year? Which import containers in 2014, followed the enlargement of various terminals place does this confer to the Port? by Turkey, Vietnam and South Korea of the Energy docks (Meroil-Lukoil, In 2014, the Port of Barcelona moved accounting for around 5% each. Tradebe and Terquimsa), as well as Could you outline the history to a stagnation of the infrastructure. public use, as well as with the inau- a total of 1.9 million TEUs (one TEU several projects in the interior railway Q of the Port of Barcelona from However, in 1958 the expansion to- guration of the Maremagnum shop- is equivalent to a 20-foot container), What is the hinterland network of the port in the area the last century to date? wards the south was initiated and, in ping centre and other civic amenities. representing an increase of 10% Q area of influence of of cruises and in the Port Vell. The history of the Port of Barcelona 1966, the construction of an inland Soon after, with the celebration of the over the previous year. This develop- the Port of Barcelona? As of 2015, the Port of Barcelona dates back to the 13th century, but port with the dredging of the Delta Olympic Games in 1992, the relation- ment was largely driven by the good The Port of Barcelona serves custom- is implementing or planning works it was in the early 20th century del Llobregat began, accompanied by ship between the Port and the city performance of foreign trade, which ers located throughout the Iberian worth € 56.8 million, in addition when the enclave received its first an enlargement of the port area, thus was intensified, and cruise traffic be- for the first time exceeded 1 million Peninsula, especially in the northeast to private investments under way major boost with the construction of dynamising the port activity. gan to develop. TEUs. Container exports rose by 7% and centre of the peninsula, as well within the port facility amounting to the Barcelona, Espanya, Pescadors, As early as in the 1980s the rela- Later, the Port began the largest to reach 621,870 TEUs in full con- as customers from other European € 278 million. Standing out among Balears and Catalunya docks. Later tionship between the Port and the expansion in its history, with the tainers, representing a new record countries (especially France and Ita- these projects are Phase 2 of BEST, on, the Great War and World War II, city was strengthened with the open- diversion of the mouth of the Llobre- and confirming the effort to open up ly) and the Mediterranean (Morocco, the new terminal of ICL (Iberpotash), the Civil War and the dictatorship led ing of the Bosch i Alsina docks for gat river and the construction of the our production network to foreign Algeria and Tunisia, in particular). the Marina Vela, the fishing facilities

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 22 INTERVIEW DREAMS page 23

various operators of the Port Com-

munity, has begun in three areas: Cinco Jotas Master Carver container handling, vehicle handling and cruise ship activity. Sustainability is essential for us, as evidenced by the fact of being pioneers in different environmental initiatives, such as the promotion of liquefied nat- ural gas (LNG) as fuel, the Ecocalcu- ladora service or the BCN Zero Carbon programme just mentioned. Obviously, any infrastructure of this size and eco- nomic importance has an impact on its environment, but our goal is to make it as small as possible.

How important for the Q Port of Barcelona are the connections to the logistic and industrial centres and parks nearby? They are essential to ensure the de- velopment of efficient logistic chains and to promote the internationalisa- tion of our economy. In fact, the Port of Barcelona has been a pioneer in the development of the logistic ser- vices linked to port activity. In this sense, we have the Logistics Activi- Sixte Cambra, President of the Barcelona Port Authority ties Zone (ZAL), an intermodal centre of over 200 hectares, connected to all modes of transport within a radius of redevelopment, roads in the south alternative routes, or the Barceloc five kilometres, which offers custom- node and the Terminal E for cruise project, which facilitates the logistic ers on-demand services by renting CINCO JOTAS: ships, among others. and commercial settlement in the Cat- tailor-made ships, and covers all Furthermore, in addition to the ex- alan capital for Chinese enterprises. their complementary needs through ecution of works, the Port is focusing the Service Centre. EPICUREAN DELIGHT on process efficiency and customer What is the current carbon orientation. To this end we have de- Q footprint of the Port of What volumes of goods veloped several initiatives such as Barcelona? How does the concept Q are anticipated to be the Port Efficiency Network quality of sustainability influence the moved in 2015? FROM A GOURMET PIG mark, which aims to improve the com- business of the Port of Barcelona? During the first seven months of petitiveness of the Port by increasing We have just launched the BCN Zero 2015, the Port of Barcelona regis- the efficiency of the services offered Carbon programme with the aim to tered container traffic of 1,115,596 The black pigs of southern Spain will be just by a group of operators and admin- become, in 2020, a neutral port in TEUs, representing an increase of 5% The Iberian pig is a traditional breed istrations of the enclave, providing terms of carbon emissions for the over the same period in 2014. Con- beginning to fatten themselves on sweet acorns at in the central and southern parts of value to customers. In this sense, passage of goods. The program, a tainerised export cargo grew by 9% the time VGP will be off ering jamón ibérico (Iberian Spain and Portugal, and it has been the mark offers a loss compensation pioneer in the area of ports, consists and import cargo by 10%, a figure ham) to visitors at its booth during October’s Expo raised on the Iberian Peninsula for scheme related to three major areas: of three parts: the calculation of CO2 that confirms the strength of foreign hundreds, if not thousands, of years. reliability of operations, information emissions of the different port activi- trade. Vehicular traffic has been Real trade fair at the Messe Munich. VGP has decided The pig’s uniquely marbled and rath- and transparency, and security of the ties; the introduction of measures to growing at a rate of 15% (mainly due to bring this taste of Spain to the trade show in er lean flesh is prized for creating goods. Companies certified to use this reduce emissions to the maximum; to the rise in imports, with an in- celebration of its launch into the Spanish industrial cured meat products. The marbling mark represent 70% of the container and the compensation of the result- crease of 39%), while short sea ship- occurs due to the animals’ propensity traffic channelled by the Port. Among ing carbon footprint by purchas- ping (SSS) goods have grown by 18% real estate market. In particular, it will be serving to accumulate intramuscular fat. other initiatives undertaken by the ing carbon credits generated by until July. Forecasts for the end of Iberian ham bearing the Cinco Jotas (5J) brand. By tradition, these dark-coloured Port are the Ecocalculadora, allowing emission-saving projects that allow the year are positive, especially with pigs (very often black or grey, but to calculate C02 emissions of the logis- to neutralise their own emissions. regard to strategic traffic such as con- sometimes reddish) are constantly tic chains and seek more sustainable The project, in collaboration with the tainerised cargo, vehicles or SSS. on the move in search of food. That

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 24 DREAMS DREAMS page 25

means they get more exercise than this ecosystem consists of grass pas- challenging conditions guarantee the by swineherds who have learned the conventionally grown, modern pigs, ture interspersed with oak trees of well-being of this demanding animal: trade from their fathers and grandfa- The ham cellar and this contributes to their having several species. It is partially natural each of our 100% Ibérico pigs needs thers. They guide the herd to the best a distinctive bone, muscle and fat but largely maintained by careful hu- at least two hectares of pastureland, forest pastures, in search of the tasti- structure. In accordance with Spain’s man management and grazing. which is more than double what the est acorns throughout the season.” legal protection for unique foods and “The dehesas of southwestern current legislation has established.” Of course, the 5J production pro- drinks, jamón ibérico must originate Spain are an agricultural model,” Ma- Whereas farm-reared pigs are fat- cess goes far beyond herding pigs on from purebred Iberian pigs or from ría Castro explains, “and an example tened on maize and other grains, las dehesas. “The ham processing of crossbred pigs with at least 50% of of best practices in Mediterranean the Ibérico pigs eat in addition to Cinco Jotas begins with the profiler,” the Iberian breed in their genetic forests that protect its natural rich- acorns the likes of berries, roots, remarks María Castro. “This person makeup. ness. It is a model for sustainable mushrooms, grass, and herbs. “At is responsible for shaping the ham At El Grupo Osborne, the Spanish development in which mankind Cinco Jotas, we select the best 100% by removing the skin and excess fat drinks and specialty foods group and nature complement each other Ibérico pigs from our partners, notes prior to salting, so that the ham cures owning the Cinco Jotas (5J) brand, and where the 100% Ibérico pig María Castro. “Today, each pig lives correctly. Then the salting supervisor all steps in the process leading to its attains all its quality. A number of freely in the country fields, cared for buries Acorn Fed 100% Ibérico Hams Iberian ham are intended to make its manually, one by one, in salt from own ham even more special. the Atlantic Ocean. The curing room “Our product is different and supervisor decides when a ham has unique for many reasons,” María achieved the perfect balance between Castro, Communication Manager saltiness and moisture. After that, the for Cinco Jotas, tells VGP location3. cellar master controls the drying and the cellar depending on their matura- Romero’s business got a boost “First, there is our commitment to curing process of all Acorn Fed 100% tion and needs… Each ham is pam- when the railway was extended to the preserving the 100% Ibérico breed, Ibérico Hams daily, both inside and pered individually.” mountainous region in 1910 and the a centuries-old breed that is halfway outside the cellars.” There is a very long tradition behind cured hams could be transported to between a wild boar and a domes- It takes at least 5 years to produce jamón ibérico generally, and that is more distant markets. The business ticated swine. Most important, our a 5J ham. María Castro explains that true also of 5J ham and El Grupo Os- has been growing in its reach, re- 100% Ibérico pigs are raised in total the pigs must grow for 2 years, and borne. The Osborne group is a Spanish nown, and quality ever since. Today, freedom in the meadows of southern then the hams spend at least 3 years family business with a history longer Cinco Jotas Ham is sold at prominent Spain. These pasturelands offer the curing in the company’s 135-year-old than 200 years, and it is still major- food stores and restaurants in more perfect conditions for breeding this natural cellars near Jabugo, which is ity owned by the Osborne family. The than 30 countries – as distant from unique animal. Also, the 100% Ibéri- located in southern Spain’s Huelva Cinco Jotas brand itself dates back to Jabugo as London, New York City, co pigs feed exclusively on acorns and Province, lying in the Andalusian re- 1879. That is when Rafael Sánchez Moscow and Beijing. wild herbs in the season of Montan- gion near the border with Portugal. Romero, a true expert in the produc- VGP location3 asks Maria Castro era (from early autumn until the fol- “Generations of demanding cel- tion of high-quality Ibérico products to imagine our readers were sitting lowing spring), when acorns are ripe lar masters have perfected exactly and who was fascinated by the im- down to a uniquely enjoyable Spanish and eatable. Finally, in our ancient how to cure the ham,” she continues. portance of the unique breed, opened repast. Of course, 5J brand jamón ibé- cellars in Jabugo, our cellar masters “They verify every three months each the first ham shop of Acorn Fed 100% rico would be on the table. What else have perfected exactly how to cure individual ham and move them round Ibérico ham in Jabugo, Andalusia. especially should be there, and how our Cinco Jotas Hams, taking care of will all these fit together and comple- each one as a unique piece.” ment one another? From healthy, free-ranging, acorn- 100% Ibérico pigs are raised freely in the meadows of southern Spain “Actually, the good thing about Cin- fed pigs comes a product which is al- co Jotas Ham is that you don’t need so healthy for humans with discrimi- anything else to enjoy its full flavour,” nating taste buds. Ibérico ham is even she comments. “Tasted alone, it’s cer- regarded to be a part of the healthy tainly a more traditional way to enjoy Mediterranean diet along with the all the subtleties of our ham from likes of olive oil, seafood, low-fat Jabugo. But it also allows for com- dairy products, and plentiful fruits pany and some pairings may actually and vegetables. María Castro explains enhance the flavour of this unique that acorns provide large amounts delicacy. It is an ingredient that en- of omega 9, which is the much-publi- hances and promotes any recipe with cised oleic acid that is beneficial for vegetables, meat and certain fish. For the human cardiovascular system. example: artichokes, rice, eggplant, This unique pig breed is one com- pumpkin, cabbage, spinach, aspara- ponent of a distinctive ecological and gus, peas, beans, eggs, green beans, agricultural production system that is legumes, melon, bread, potatoes, Pi- based on the so-called dehesas. Most 100% Ibérico pigs each need at least two hectares of pastureland quillo peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes typically found in the Mediterranean, and trout.”

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. 2015 location3 page 26 DO YOU NEED SPACE?

DO YOU NEED SPACE?

Do you need space for your business? If so, you might be interested in what options are PROJECT IN SLOVAKIA BUILDING OFFICE AREA (m2) WAREHOUSE AREA (m2) currently available to you. We have prepared a brief overview of the current off er for leasing VGP PARK MALACKY B built to suit 18,000 warehousing, logistics and manufacturing space in our parks. Please do not hesitate to E built to suit 21,600 PROJECT IN ROMANIA BUILDING OFFICE AREA (m2) WAREHOUSE AREA (m2) contact us in case of any additional questions and to arrange a personal meeting. VGP PARK TIMIŞOARA A1 built to suit 4,300 A2 built to suit 17,500 PROJECT IN ESTONIA BUILDING OFFICE AREA (m2) WAREHOUSE AREA (m2)

PROJECT IN CZECH REPUBLIC BUILDING OFFICE AREA (m2) WAREHOUSE AREA (m2) VGP PARK NEHATU D built to suit 10,400 VGP PARK TUCHOMĚŘICE B built to suit 13,200 E built to suit 11,000

2 2 VGP PARK PILSEN D built to suit 1,670 PROJECT IN LATVIA BUILDING OFFICE AREA (m ) WAREHOUSE AREA (m ) VGP PARK KEKAVA A built to suit 34,560 VGP PARK BRNO I built to suit 11,700 B built to suit 25,920 II built to suit 2,880 PROJECT IN GERMANY BUILDING OFFICE AREA (m2) WAREHOUSE AREA (m2) VGP PARK ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM P2 built to suit 5,184 VGP PARK HAMBURG A2.2 built to suit 11,808 P7 built to suit 1,944 A.3 built to suit — P8 built to suit 7,940 A.4 built to suit 14,000 P9 built to suit 10,360 B.2 built to suit 40,000 VGP PARK ČESKÝ ÚJEZD I built to suit 14,314 B.3 built to suit 6,000 II built to suit 2,602 C.1.1 built to suit 10,501 VGP PARK OLOMOUC A built to suit 7,220 C.1.2 built to suit 9,044 B built to suit 10,585 C.2 built to suit 2,375 C built to suit 10,585 D.1 built to suit 2,502 D built to suit 2,257 E.5 built to suit 7,300 E built to suit 3,721 E.6 built to suit 2,400 F built to suit 33,460 VGP PARK RODGAU A built to suit 12,500 G1 built to suit 12,571 D built to suit 3,500 G3 built to suit 25,520 VGP PARK LEIPZIG A1 built to suit 8,950 H built to suit 14,065 A2 built to suit 8,950 I built to suit 22,765 B1 built to suit 25,750 J built to suit 14,065 C1 built to suit 2,375 K built to suit 3,590 C2 built to suit 2,375 L built to suit 20,738 VGP PARK FRANKENTHAL A1 built to suit 23,700 A2 built to suit 23,700 B built to suit 30,000

Tomas Van Geet Petr Kovařík Renata Cihlářová Chief Commercial Officer Tschechien Tschechien [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] tel.: +420 724 359 916 tel.: +420 724 237 331 tel.: +420 777 483 249

Darius Scheible Andrejs Konstantins László Balogh Deutschland / Rumänien Estland / Lettland Ungarn [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] tel. +49(0)173 2688263 tel. +371 291 366 61 tel. +36 305 439 966

Naďa Kováčiková Slowakei [email protected] tel. +421 908 110 002

location3 issue 11, volume VIII. location3 VGP © 2015