From Latin America’s dynamic markets to the boardrooms of Europe and Asia, Erik Visser’s professional journey is a masterclass in global leadership shaped by purpose, innovation, and adaptability. A Dutch national whose career has spanned continents and industries, Erik has always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, most notably in the field of animal nutrition.
With early roots in chemical distribution and more than a decade immersed in Latin American operations, Erik eventually found his calling in a sector aligned with his values: producing safe, sustainable feed for a growing world population. His transition into the animal nutrition industry marked not only a strategic career shift but also a commitment to global food security.
Today, as the CEO of Hamlet Protein, Erik spearheads growth across poultry, swine, ruminant, aquaculture, and pet segments, guiding the company through expanding markets in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. His approach is marked by a balance of operational discipline and visionary planning, backed by a deep understanding of market realities and the nuances of customer trust.
In this exclusive feature, Erik shares insights from his extensive international experience, the company’s global expansion plans, and thoughtful advice for future entrepreneurs in the feed industry. His reflections offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in a competitive, highly specialized sector.
Read on to discover how Erik Visser is navigating complex markets and building a brand rooted in performance, trust, and long-term value.
Global Roots and Industry Purpose
Could you briefly tell us about your background and how it led you to start your business?
I am a Dutch citizen but only worked in the Netherlands for two years. For the rest of my professional career, I have worked all across the globe, experiencing vastly different cultures, market dynamics, and organizations.
I started my career in chemical distribution, living and working in Latin America for twelve years. My return to Europe marked the beginning of my journey in animal nutrition, as I believe in the industry’s commitment to producing safe feed for safe food, addressing the need to feed a growing world population in a sustainable manner.
I have worked in large corporate multinationals as well as in medium-sized companies, always looking for a clear purpose and challenge.
Focused Growth in Animal Nutrition
What does your business focus on, and how is it positioned in the market?
Hamlet Protein is a global premium player in early life nutrition. Young animals develop very quickly. In that first life stage the right nutrition is critically important for the animals health and performance throughout their entire life.
That is why we say that a good start makes all the difference. We produce soy based specialty ingredients that fit in antibiotic free diets, providing animals with natural solutions for a healthy gut. We do so for poultry, swine, ruminants and aquaculture. And do so all across the world.
Based on continuous in depth scientific research our specialists are able to bring the latest insights on health and nutrition to producers around the world. Next to our high quality product portfolio, it is that knowledge sharing that is appreciated by our customers.
Expanding Horizons and Market Reach
What are your plans for growth or expansion in the near future?
We believe that we have ample room for growth across the poultry, ruminant and swine segments in various regions around the world. In addition, we see opportunities in the aquaculture and pet segments.
We have a strong presence in North America and Europe, along with a solid footprint in Asia. While continuing to expand our market share in these areas, we also believe that Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East are interesting growth markets for Hamlet Protein.
Resilience Amid Uncertainty
How has your business performed so far this year, and what are your goals moving forward?
We are off to a very good start and are performing in line with our budgeted targets. We continue to invest in research, marketing, product and people development, and sustainability to maintain our leading position in the market.
Our industry is no exception when it comes to concerns about the volatile trading environment, particularly regarding how the threat of trade wars could impact our supply chain.
We operate in a globalized market, and from our plants in Denmark and the US, we can serve our export customers. That flexibility is a particularly strong asset when considering geopolitical tensions.
Advice for Emerging Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to startups or entrepreneurs in your industry?
It all starts with creating a product that adds value to the market you are looking to serve. Develop a clear strategy, focus on execution, and understand the realities of the markets.
The animal feed industry is highly fragmented, yet there is still room for newcomers with good ideas, as the market continues to grow. It’s not just about offering the best technical product, it’s about finding the right balance between a product’s impact and its cost, so you can deliver a clear return on investment for your clients.
And be prepared to put in the work. This is a conservative market where you need to be well-prepared to gain the trust of potential clients. Don’t bring marketing slogans, bring effective solutions. That is how you build a business.
Conclusion
Erik Visser’s journey is not just about navigating international markets, it’s about leading with clarity, purpose, and a relentless focus on delivering value. Through Hamlet Protein, he continues to shape the future of animal nutrition, staying ahead of industry challenges while expanding into high-potential global markets with thoughtful precision.
His strategic mindset, global exposure, and commitment to innovation are evident in every aspect of Hamlet Protein’s operations, from product development to people management, from sustainability to market expansion. Erik’s leadership philosophy is rooted in pragmatism and trust, making him not only a respected industry figure but also a source of inspiration for the next generation of business leaders.
As the company continues to invest in research, sustainability, and global partnerships, Hamlet Protein stands as a benchmark for what purposeful growth looks like in a fragmented industry. For aspiring entrepreneurs and established professionals alike, Erik’s journey offers valuable lessons on resilience, execution, and building trust in conservative markets.
To learn more about Hamlet Protein and follow its continued growth, visit their official website, explore their latest updates on Facebook, or connect with their team on LinkedIn.
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