DV Fresh celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. What began as a one-person business in Belgium in 1998 has, under founder Dirk Verkinderen's leadership, grown into a vegetable processing company with global reach. The family's second generation also joined the company this year. "It's wonderful to see them take their first steps at DV Fresh," says Dirk.
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The business has always processed vegetables. "I wanted to specialize in that. No fruit. I was a vegetable grower." From modest 1,500 m² premises, DV Fresh has expanded to an automated business park of five hectares, employing more than 160 people.
Innovative in convenience
DV Fresh started with simple products like soup, vegetables, and grated carrots but soon added innovative convenience concepts. "The convenience idea took off in Belgium, and we wanted to be pioneers. We don't have to invent vegetables anymore, but we must be innovative in putting them together," Dirk explains.
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The sector has changed dramatically, partly due to consumer behavior and technological progress. "Machines and processing methods have improved processed vegetables' quality and shelf life." The company also works closely with growers and seed companies to select varieties suited to processing, such as longer-lasting, more robust vegetables.
Challenges and chances
Climate change is a significant challenge. "Extreme weather conditions disrupt supply security," Dirk points out. The company is thus looking into new cultivation methods, like innovative greenhouses and diversifying cultivation areas. "The retail sector demands a constant supply, but Mother Nature sometimes lets us down." Despite these challenges, DV Fresh keeps growing, especially in exports to Germany, France, and Luxembourg. "Fierce competition makes that trickier in the Netherlands," he says.
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The future
Dirk is confident about the future, in part because of his children's involvement in the company. "My eldest daughter works in HR/Finance, the second in R&D, and my son in purchasing. Two sons-in-law also fulfill vital roles." The experienced team supports the new generation, covering all key departments. "We, therefore, have no concerns about succession and see many opportunities in this growing market. Vegetable consumption is rising, and we ensure everyone can keep enjoying these wonderful products," he concludes.
For more information:
Dirk Verkinderen
DV Fresh
Tel: +32- 051 46 41 68
www.dvfresh.be
info@dvfresh.be