History
From friend service to wholesale.
Willem Dijk senior comes from a family that has been active in the fresh produce industry for decades. His father (grandpa Willem) owned a greengrocer's shop and started transporting fruit and vegetables as a favor to friends. He also did his own purchasing. The apple does not fall far from the tree when Willem (2nd generation) and brother Gerty also roll into the fruit and vegetable world. Willem first as commission agent. In 1985 the brothers took over their father's business under the name 'Gebroeders Dijk'. After a number of years, Willem Dijk AGF was officially founded in May 1994. Brother Gerty becomes head of commercial purchasing and sales.
History
The third generation at the helm.
Willem Dijk junior joined the company in 1999. Willem jr. could be found in the warehouse from an early age. So by the time he officially enlisted, he knew the organization like the inside of his pocket. Willem jr. has been part of the management together with Willem sr. since 2005, in the role of operational director, until he took over the day-to-day management of the company from his father in 2018. Senior has been given an advisory role and he also maintains contacts with suppliers abroad, often on location.
Staff members
From a friend service with no employees, to a wholesaler with over 100 employees.
Private label
Willem Dijk senior has been a true pioneer in marketing our own brands such as WeDe, Tukker Tuffels and other premium brands such as Elefant and Filósofo.
Trucks
It started with two trucks and has now grown into a modern fleet with 13 own trucks and several external transporters with regular drivers every day.
Location
From a truck to a hypermodern head office in Enschede and a sales office in Vreden (Germany).
How our organization has grown in recent years.
Establishment of Willem Dijk
Willem Dijk senior, together with Hennie Aartsen, starts under one roof with a wholesaler on the Strootsweg in Enschede.
New location
Two years later, a move takes place: Willem Dijk AGF B.V.settles a little further on at Het Wolbert 1-11 in Enschede.
Pushing boundaries
Slowly but surely, boundaries are being pushed. Dutch suppliers were supplemented with Spanish and French suppliers.
Launch Werkelijk Delicaat
Two house brands are launched: Truly Delicaat and Coelx. Both brands stood and still guarantee quality products.
Start Elefant
From 2003, something is loaded for the first time at Elefant/Aguado. Only a few years later it becomes a mega success.
First import Filósofo
In the 2004/2005 citrus season, Willem Dijk will import Filósofo fresh produce for the Dutch market for the first time.
The Year of the Elefant
The demand for Elefant exceeds all expectations. We have purchased a lifelike red elephant to really put the Elefant on the map.
Building renovation
A new office is being built on the existing building. The new cooling hall is once the size of the existing building. Construction will take two years.
Takeover management
The general management will now be transferred to Willem jr. Senior has been given an advisory role and is still responsible for the fleet.
Ready for the future!
By implementing our new top notch software system and the latest refrigeration systems, we are ready for the future!
Curious about more history of our organization? Send a message.
About us
Specialist in potatoes, vegetables and fruit.
Anyone who deals with potatoes, vegetables and fruit on a daily basis knows that speed and organization are inseparable. Especially when, like us, you insist on a handling time of 24 hours as an absolute limit. To achieve that goal, we maintain intensive contact with shippers. Commissioners keep us regularly informed on the auction floor. In this way we remain alert to developments in the market. This benefits the quality and freshness of the products.
