A logistics mindset that fits the chain
Sander built his career in logistics, starting on the work floor and learning how to manage large, complex flows from the inside out. “My background helps me connect the operation, the systems and the people behind them.”
At Duynie, he combines two roles: supply chain and business development. He works on operational continuity across several European countries, while also helping to set up new supply chains and support multinational co-product partners and local partners.
From local solutions to European scale
As Duynie has expanded into more countries, the challenge has changed. It is no longer only about making individual operations work. It is about building a way of working that can be repeated, improved and scaled across markets, while preserving an entrepreneurial mindset.
“We don’t want a separate solution for every country,” Sander explains. “We want to build something that works in practice and can be applied more broadly.” That requires balance. Infrastructure, culture and decision-making differ per country. “You can’t just copy-paste a Dutch approach onto Greece, Romania or Poland. First you have to understand the local reality. Then you can start improving together.”
Why local presence still matters
For Sander and his team, that is exactly why being on location matters. A dashboard or presentation only tells part of the story. “The real value is when you are there,” he says. “You see what is happening, you understand the local complexity and you can have the right conversations.” That local presence is essential for building trust, especially where teams are small and progress depends on collaboration.
A case that shows what Duynie stands for
A strong example came during the energy crisis. One co-product partner faced pressure to reduce energy consumption at an energy-intensive site. In just a few weeks, Duynie helped organise an alternative setup around logistics, storage, quality handling and market access.
“That’s where everything comes together,” Sander says. “Partnership with the co-product partner, the market and the farmer. And the ability to act fast, as one team, with a practical solution that really works.” He emphasises that this is always a team effort: “At the end of the day, it’s our planners, drivers, operators and local teams who make the difference.”
More focus, stronger teamwork
Unlock 30 has also changed the way choices are made. Nowadays we look more clearly at where we can really make impact. The entrepreneurial mindset remains, but is now combined with sharper focus and scalability.
For Duynie, European scaling is not just about systems or structure. It is about people. The people who collaborate across borders, understand local realities and turn strategy into something that works in practice every day. That is what makes the difference for partners: not just a service promise, but a team that delivers when it matters most.