This report provides a detailed Know Your Customer (KYC) analysis of C-FOOD, located in Lochristi, Belgium, designed for B2B research purposes. The information is synthesized from available public data as of April 24, 2025, focusing on verification, operational insights, and compliance status.
Highlights: Key Insights into C-FOOD Lochristi
- Identity Confirmed: C-FOOD in Lochristi operates as a Belgian private limited company (BV/SRL) under the VAT number BE 0890.753.671, located at Antwerpsesteenweg 129 A, 9080 Lochristi.
- Retail & Workshop Focus: The primary activities appear to be retail sales of fresh seafood, prepared gourmet dishes, and hosting specialized cooking workshops, rather than large-scale international distribution under this specific entity.
- Potential Entity Confusion: It's crucial to distinguish this Lochristi entity from other businesses with similar names, like "C-Food International s.a.l." or another "C Food" in Hannuit, which focus on broader production and international distribution. This report pertains specifically to the Lochristi operation.
Company Identification and Structure
Establishing the Basics
Understanding the formal identity of a business is the cornerstone of any KYC process. Here are the verified details for C-FOOD in Lochristi:
Legal Details
- Registered Name Variations: While commonly known as C-FOOD, it is formally registered likely as C-Food Lochristi. Sources suggest the legal structure is a BV (Besloten Vennootschap - Dutch) or SRL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée - French), both translating to a private limited liability company in Belgium. It may also trade or be known locally as "C-Food Meersschaut". Another potentially related name found is "C-FOOD & AMBACHT BV" (associated with a different VAT number BE 0742 670 996), suggesting a focus on 'craft' or artisanal products, aligning with the workshop/gourmet food descriptions.
- VAT Number: BE 0890.753.671 (This number is confirmed by multiple sources, including Belgian business directory Companyweb, linking directly to the C-Food Lochristi entity).
- Company Registration: The possession of a valid Belgian VAT number confirms the company is registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, indicating formal incorporation and tax registration within Belgium and the EU.
Location and Contact Information
- Registered Address: Antwerpsesteenweg 129 A, 9080 Lochristi, Belgium. Lochristi is located in the province of East Flanders, near Ghent and Antwerp, placing it within a significant Belgian economic region.
- Phone: +32 9 360 70 45
- Email: info@cfood.be
- Website: https://cfood.be/
- Social Media: The company also maintains a presence on Instagram, often used for showcasing products and workshops.
Lochristi, Belgium, home to C-FOOD's retail operations.
Business Activities and Operations
What Does C-FOOD Lochristi Do?
Based on the available information, C-FOOD Lochristi operates primarily as a specialized food retailer with a strong focus on seafood and related culinary experiences.
Core Business Focus
- Seafood Retail: Operates a physical store ("Winkel") selling fresh seafood like plaice, cod, and salmon.
- Prepared & Gourmet Foods: Offers a range of prepared items, including tongue rolls, fish pans, eel specialties, tapas, aperitif snacks, cold buffet dishes, and lobster platters. Wine pairings are also mentioned, suggesting a focus on gourmet experiences.
- Cooking Workshops: Hosts cooking classes focused on seafood preparation techniques and sauces, led by personnel identified as Ilse. This aligns with the potential "AMBACHT" (craft) aspect noted in one name variation.
- Sourcing & Products: While detailed supply chain information isn't fully public, specific mentions include sourcing Yellowfin Tuna (longline fishing) and Barracuda (handline caught), available in various packaging formats from large calibrated boxes to retail-ready packs.
Belgian seafood specialties, reflecting the type of products C-FOOD might offer.
Operational Details
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.
- Scale: Appears to be a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) primarily focused on the local retail market in and around Lochristi. There's no strong evidence from public data linking this specific entity (VAT BE 0890.753.671) to large-scale international production or distribution associated with "C-Food International".
- Management/Personnel: The company website reportedly mentions Sven and Guillaume as managers, with Ilse running workshops.
Compliance and Risk Assessment
Verifying Legitimacy and Identifying Potential Risks
Assessing compliance and potential risks is crucial for B2B engagement.
Regulatory Standing
- Legal Registration: Confirmed via VAT number BE 0890.753.671 and presence in Belgian business directories (e.g., Companyweb). The BV/SRL structure provides limited liability for owners.
- Tax Compliance: Active VAT registration indicates compliance with Belgian and EU tax regulations.
- Food Safety Standards: While operating in the EU food sector implies adherence to regulations (potentially overseen by bodies like Belgium's FASFC), no specific certifications like HACCP or BRC are explicitly mentioned in the available public data for this entity. Verification of these would require direct inquiry.
Potential Risks and Areas for Due Diligence
- Transparency Limitations: As is common with private companies, detailed financial statements, full ownership structures (Ultimate Beneficial Owners - UBOs), and comprehensive B2B track records are not readily available in public databases. Some platforms note "Missing: Belgium KYC," highlighting this gap.
- Entity Confusion: The existence of other "C-Food" entities (C-Food International, C Food in Hannuit, listings on platforms like ExportHub) creates potential for confusion. It's vital to ensure B2B interactions target the correct legal entity. Reports or data associated with C-Food International (e.g., Sirella/Adriana brands, international distribution focus) may not apply to C-Food Lochristi (VAT BE 0890.753.671).
- Limited Corporate Presence: Beyond the retail-focused website and social media, the company has a limited detailed corporate online footprint, which can sometimes hinder deep B2B background checks.
- Unverified Certifications: The lack of public information on specific food safety certifications (HACCP, BRC) presents a point requiring further verification before engaging in partnerships where these are critical.
B2B Partnership Potential Analysis
Assessing C-FOOD Lochristi as a Business Partner
This section provides an overview of C-FOOD Lochristi's B2B potential based on the synthesized KYC information. The radar chart below offers a visual summary of key B2B assessment factors.
Chart Interpretation: The chart suggests C-FOOD Lochristi has reasonably strong verified compliance (based on registration) and a likely positive local reputation tied to its retail and workshop activities. However, scores are lower for operational transparency, B2B data availability, and access to financial data, reflecting the limitations of public information for this private entity. The scalability score reflects its current apparent focus on local retail/workshops rather than large-scale operations. The 'Potential for Confusion' score being low indicates a higher risk of confusing this entity with others named C-Food.
Key Considerations for B2B Engagement
- Credibility: The company is a legally registered Belgian entity with a physical presence and established operations in Lochristi. Directory listings add to its baseline credibility.
- Partnership Type: Best suited for partnerships related to its current operations: local supply (e.g., to restaurants), collaboration on culinary workshops, or sourcing specialized gourmet seafood products. Engagement requiring large-scale distribution or manufacturing capabilities seems less aligned with this specific entity's profile.
- Due Diligence Needs: Before significant engagement, further due diligence is recommended, including:
- Direct confirmation of food safety certifications (HACCP, BRC, etc.).
- Requesting more detailed company information (articles of association, potentially UBO declaration depending on transaction value/risk).
- Clarifying any relationship with C-Food International if broader capabilities are needed.
- Seeking trade references or potentially a B2B credit report if available.
C-FOOD Lochristi Information Map
Visualizing Key KYC Data Points
This mind map provides a quick visual overview of the core information gathered about C-FOOD Lochristi.
mindmap
root["C-FOOD Lochristi (KYC Report)"]
id1["Identification"]
id1_1["Name: C-FOOD / C-Food Lochristi / C-Food Meersschaut"]
id1_2["Legal: BV / SRL (Private Limited Co.)"]
id1_3["VAT: BE 0890.753.671"]
id1_4["Address: Antwerpsesteenweg 129 A, 9080 Lochristi"]
id1_5["Contact: +32 9 360 70 45, info@cfood.be"]
id1_6["Website: cfood.be"]
id2["Activities"]
id2_1["Primary: Retail Seafood Shop ('Winkel')"]
id2_2["Products: Fresh Seafood, Prepared Dishes, Gourmet Items"]
id2_3["Services: Cooking Workshops (Seafood Focus)"]
id2_4["Sourcing Mentioned: Tuna, Barracuda"]
id3["Operations"]
id3_1["Hours: Tue-Sat (Split Day)"]
id3_2["Scale: Likely SME, Local Focus"]
id3_3["Personnel: Sven, Guillaume (Mgmt?), Ilse (Workshops)"]
id4["Compliance & Risk"]
id4_1["Registration: Verified (VAT)"]
id4_2["Structure: Limited Liability (BV/SRL)"]
id4_3["Risk: Limited Transparency (Financials, UBOs)"]
id4_4["Risk: Potential Confusion with other 'C-Food' entities"]
id4_5["Risk: Food Safety Certs (HACCP/BRC) Not Publicly Verified"]
id5["B2B Considerations"]
id5_1["Credibility: Registered, Physical Presence"]
id5_2["Potential: Local Supply, Workshop Collabs"]
id5_3["Action: Further Due Diligence Recommended (Certs, UBOs)"]
Summary Table: C-FOOD Lochristi KYC
Key Information at a Glance
This table summarizes the essential KYC details for C-FOOD Lochristi based on the available information.
Category |
Details |
Company Name(s) |
C-FOOD, C-Food Lochristi, C-Food Meersschaut |
Legal Structure |
BV (Besloten Vennootschap) / SRL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) |
VAT Number |
BE 0890.753.671 |
Address |
Antwerpsesteenweg 129 A, 9080 Lochristi, Belgium |
Contact |
Phone: +32 9 360 70 45 | Email: info@cfood.be | Website: cfood.be |
Primary Activities |
Retail seafood sales (fresh & prepared), gourmet food items, cooking workshops. |
Operational Status |
Active physical store with defined opening hours (Tue-Sat). Likely SME scale. |
Management (Reported) |
Sven, Guillaume (Management); Ilse (Workshops) |
Compliance Summary |
Registered Belgian entity with valid VAT. Operates within EU framework. Specific food safety certifications (HACCP/BRC) require direct verification. |
Key Risks for B2B |
Limited public transparency (financials, UBOs), potential confusion with similarly named entities, unverified certifications. |
B2B Suitability |
Appears credible for local/specialized partnerships related to its retail/workshop model. Requires further due diligence for larger scale or risk-sensitive engagements. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Clarifying Common Queries
Is C-FOOD Lochristi the same as C-Food International?
Based on the available data, they appear to be distinct entities, although they share similar names and operate in the food sector. C-FOOD Lochristi (VAT BE 0890.753.671) seems focused on retail and workshops at its Belgian address. C-Food International s.a.l. (often linked with c-food.info) describes itself as involved in international production, marketing, and distribution, mentioning brands like Sirella and Adriana. This report focuses specifically on the Lochristi entity. Clarification should be sought directly if dealings potentially involve C-Food International.
What does "BV" or "SRL" mean?
BV stands for "Besloten Vennootschap" (Dutch) and SRL stands for "Société à Responsabilité Limitée" (French). Both are legal structures in Belgium for private limited liability companies. This means the personal liability of the company's owners/shareholders is generally limited to their investment in the company.
Why is information like financials and ownership missing?
Private limited companies (BV/SRL) in Belgium are not always required to publish detailed financial statements or full beneficial ownership information publicly, especially smaller enterprises. While some data might be available through official registries (like the National Bank of Belgium) or paid B2B data providers, it's often less accessible than for publicly listed companies. This is a common challenge in KYC for private entities.
How can I further verify C-FOOD Lochristi?
For deeper B2B due diligence, consider these steps:
- Verify the VAT number (BE 0890.753.671) status on the official EU VIES portal or Belgian government sites (like the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises).
- Contact the company directly to request specific information (e.g., food safety certifications, company registration documents, trade references).
- Utilize specialized B2B data providers or credit reporting agencies for potentially more detailed financial or risk information (may require subscription).
- Check for legal filings or judgments in Belgian commercial courts if significant risks are suspected.
References
Sources Used for this Report
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