Gonçalo Mendes

Find out about the largest company specialising in the manufacture of ageing solutions, from the perspective of Gonçalo Mendes, the brand’s country manager in Portugal. We know that exclusive models come from cutting-edge technology and that productive team dialogues come from Gonçalo’s leadership. In a market that is gaining momentum, effective communication seems fundamental for him to continue to prosper and, in fact, «sales have been impressive». Most of his day is spent at the heart of the number one brand in ageing equipment, but when it's time to go home, the art of cooking is the hobby that awaits him when he gets back.
 
How would you define yourself as a person and as a professional?
It’s always hard to define ourselves, but I’d say I’m sincere, cordial, friendly, cheerful and positive-thinking. As a professional, I’m demanding, organised and empathetic. As a leader, I’m a good dialogue partner and decision-maker. 

Describe a day as Dry-Ager’s country manager.
Most days start with the inevitable checking and replying to emails. Then, depending on the day, I may visit customers or greet them in the company showroom to answer questions or give training on how to use a Dry-Ager effectively. Checking on the progress of orders, confirming stocks, preparing proposals and replying to customers and suppliers is also part of my daily routine. 

On the outside, a modern product. Inside, a quality that impresses. Tell us about the strengths of the Dry-Ager product.
The Dry-Ager product is created using sophisticated technology that makes it efficient, safe and a market leader. It is made up of antibacterial interiors and built-in systems, combining intelligent tools such as DX AirReg®, which enables precise temperature and humidity control; HumiControl®, which does away with any type of water point; or the UVC System, which, by ventilating and sterilising the air, creates a perfect microclimate and an ideal airflow system for dry ageing. All this technology makes it possible to maintain, refine and mature different proteins, such as beef, pork, fish and game.

«Consistency in producing excellent products»

Dry ageing is now possible with SmartAging®, the technology that the brand has decided to incorporate into its product range. What are the benefits of this smart tool?
SmartAging® technology, with more than 30 pre-selected options, allows customers to easily choose the programme best suited to the protein they intend to put inside their Dry-Ager. You can also set the ageing time from the perspective of flavour intensity (basic/intense/intense plus), thanks to DX TasteReg. These tools, combined with the The Dry Ageing Bible, allow any home cook to have the finest products at home, made by their own hands.

If you had to choose, which product would you highlight as the most premium in the brand’s portfolio?
The new DX Premium S models (with SmartAging®) stand out for their ease of use, results and consistency in producing excellent products.

The Dry-Ager brand was founded in Germany. What were the main challenges in adapting to the Portuguese consumer?
The Landig Group, based in Germany, has more than 40 years of history. Its products are manufactured in the country by a company that is the market leader and in which Dry-Ager is the world leader in its segment. The brand has been present on the Portuguese market since 2017 and, in fact, sales have been impressive. While at the beginning Dry-Ager had a product aimed at a more professional segment, dedicated to equipping restaurants, hotels, butchers and private customers, with the recent launch of the new DX Premium S it is now reaching the domestic segment and an end customer who likes refined, exquisite and distinctive products. With regard to Portuguese consumers, I can say that they are curious by nature. They like to experiment and adopt new market developments and cutting-edge technologies. 

What hard and soft skills does Gonçalo value most in an employee?
I value technical training and acquired knowledge, but as a company geared towards the commercial area, I pay a lot of attention to communication skills. Empathy and knowing how to work as part of a team, while always maintaining a high level of professionalism and professional integrity, are equally important.  

How do you deal with situations of heightened stress and pressure?
Experience helps us get through the most stressful and pressure-packed moments. For me, positive thinking, confidence and a hobby are essential elements for rethinking more complicated situations. My favourite hobby is cooking, as a matter of fact, there's nothing better than a good meal with family and friends to put aside not so good phases.