Semix seeds, its unique products Managing products,
Semix is a producer of cereals and processor of poppy seeds, active in the bakery and dairy industries. With unique technology, the company delivers innovative products to market. Export Director Petr Vavrečka and Managing Director Michal Čižmár discussed new products, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Founded in 1995, Semix has continuously adapted to the evolving market, Managing Director Michal Čižmár said: “We utilise unique technologies to develop our product range. From sprouted legumes to pseudo-cereals, we offer health-conscious and innovative products that meet global trends. Our in-house laboratory allows us to stay at the forefront of market developments, such as with our new plant-based products.”
Semix began by producing mixtures and fillings for the bakery industry. As the company grew, it diversified its product portfolio to include cereals, breads, pastries and more. Most recently, Semix has introduced a line of plant-based products called Planet Ally. This range is dedicated to the sustainable production of food, supporting both human and environmental health.
The company is headquartered in Otice, Czech Republic, where there are three stateof-the-art production lines. Semix also has branches in Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, as well as 230 employees. Currently, the company generates a turnover of €32 million and aims to grow
this to €40 million over the next two years. As a key international player, Semix exports products to 35 countries and is one of the region’s major employers.
“Our company is unique,” added Mr Čižmár. “We are always trying to innovate and take our products to the next level. For example, our curd stabiliser, Tvarogen, has become one of our major products. It has no preservatives and a shelf life of one year, making it a high-quality solution for bakers.”
Leading products
The Czech Republic is one of the largest producers of poppy seeds in the world, making it one of Semix’s most popular products. Whether in the form of filling or grounds, the company is one of the region’s major manufacturers of processed poppy seeds. With the bakery industry being one of Semix’s primary markets, poppy seeds enhance the flavour and texture of clients’ products.
“Our Little Hearts Muesli are some of the company’s best-selling products,” explained Mr Vavrečka. “They are shaped as small hearts and made from oats and fruit. We have a variety of flavours, from chocolate, cranberry and sour cherry to pecan nuts and maple syrup, as well as a new apple
variety coming soon. They contain protein, beta-glucans and fibre, making them a healthy and convenient snack. Among Czech people, hiking is very popular, and these muesli lines are the perfect travelfriendly snack.”
Semix has also diversified into new markets with plant-based products. As a company focused on healthy living, a plant-based range fits seamlessly into Semix’s portfolio. Additionally, the company is committed to the environment and engaging in sustainable practices, leading to the creation of its Planet Ally production line.
This line produces the company’s Planet Ally range, which offers five meat alternatives based on sprouted legumes, as well as pastries with legumes and
seeds. These products support a healthy lifestyle for consumers, are more friendly for planet and offer a more sustainable manufacturing process with features such as recyclable packaging.
“The plant-based market is consistently growing, and we are very proud to be a part of this,” continued Mr Vavrečka. “We follow developments in the food industry very closely, not just in Europe but all around the world. The market is rapidly evolving, and it is very important for us to understand how it is changing. This is why we engage in international fairs and exhibitions to gain a wider knowledge of the sector. Our R&D department is very skilled and talented, allowing us to develop our products alongside market demands and grow our business.”
Expanding investments
Next year, Semix will be celebrating 30 years in the market. With its wealth of experience, the company is always anticipating consumer demands with unique and versatile products. Semix utilises market research to develop products for the future, creating innovative flavours and recipes that appeal to a variety of demographics.
The company is very focused on healthy food, producing nutritious snacks and fillings with limited additives and preservatives. Currently, Semix is looking to lower the amount of sugar in products too. By consciously monitoring its supply chain, the company is able to guarantee the quality of ingredients and source raw materials sustainably. Ultimately, this helps Semix to achieve its goal of producing food that is good for people and the planet.
“This philosophy has led to the development of a unique product that is plant-based and gluten free,” commented Mr Čižmár. “It is made from sprouted oats, water and maple syrup, so it has a very low number of components, and it is fermented. This makes the product very healthy and unique among our competitors. We are very proud of this.”
Semix is in the process of expanding its range of fermented products with a new production line, enabling the additions of fermented vegetables and grains to the product range. The company is investing €2.5 million into this new line for 2025, facilitating the growth of the company and expansion into new markets.
This development follows the completion of Semix’s third production hall in 2023. The hall has a production line dedicated to sprouted grains and legumes, which enabled the company to produce its range of cereals.
“We are always focusing on our ongoing development,” added Mr Čižmár. “Our vision is to be a leader of the industry worldwide. By remaining innovative and investing into our production, we have been able to constantly evolve the company. The launch of our new products and the development of our facilities is the beginning of a really exciting future for Semix.”
Retaining quality
To maintain the quality of its products, Semix has built close relationships with suppliers, specifically farmers. By building longstanding
relationships, the company is able to foster open communication and collaboration with suppliers. Semix regularly meets with suppliers to set expectations and discuss production standards, guaranteeing high-quality production. Semix is IFS certified and strives to limit the environmental impact of operations. Reducing water, energy and resource use, the company has become much more sustainable. Additionally, Semix has invested a lot into building local biotopes. Through this, the company has dedicated 89 hectares of land to protecting natural habitats and ecosystems.
Exmoor wild horses and Scottish highland cattle live on these biotopes and are able to explore freely. The horses and cattle graze on the land, maintaining it for other species, and are given the space to live happy lives. They also help maintain the localities. Semix has been recognised by the local government for its commitment to the environment.
“There is a lot of potential for growth moving forward,” said Mr Vavrečka. “Our employees are highly competent, developing innovative products, and we are making progress every day. With our investments and new products, I am looking forward to seeing what we achieve in the future.” n
