Company history
Jac van den Oord Potatoes has a rich history extending back more than 100 years! Travel with us on our trip down memory lane:
1918 – The origins of the company
Jac’s grandfather starts a business trading in potatoes, vegetables and fruit together with his sons. Louis, Jac’s father, has to continue on his own because of an evacuation in World War II.
1968 – Jac takes over the business
Jac takes over the business and extends it in the early 1970s by opening a greengrocer’s store in Vught. In 1975 he starts the current wholesale potato business, initially targeting retail stores specialising in fruit and vegetables and cafeterias. In 1988, Jac invests in a computer-controlled weighing and packing machine and starts selling to the wholesale fruit and vegetable industry.
1990-1994 – Léon and Jeroen join
In 1990, Léon takes over the sales of potatoes to retail stores specialising in fruit and vegetables and cafeterias from his father. Starting in 1993, arranging transport for external parties is also added to the activities. In 1994, when his brother Jeroen also joins the business, the companies merge again. Due to continued steady growth, they soon need to expand. Because the company is situated in the middle of Ammerzoden, they have to look for a new location.
1999 – Company relocation to Uilecotenweg
In November 1999, on the outskirts of the village, they build a new production and distribution centre on a plot covering more than 9,000 m2. There is room here to wash and package the potatoes using the latest technology available and then ship them in volume to wholesalers and distribution centres.
1999-2006 – Additions to the product range, more production lines
The company continues to grow. In 2002, the Natubalans brand is acquired, followed by the launch of a new export line: Castle Potatoes. Grill potatoes sorted by weight are sold into the market under the name of Castle Grillers. At the end of 2006, a robotised production line allows the export department to expand its sales area beyond Europe.
2007 – Aardappelteeltbedrijf Ammerzoden BV
We expand with Aardappelteeltbedrijf Ammerzoden BV. A state-of-the-art potato storage shed is built behind the existing farm building, featuring thirteen mechanically cooled and ventilated compartments. Potatoes are stored in optimal temperature and climate conditions here.
2008 – Ohlàlà, pomme de terre!
New to the range: a line of exclusive French potatoes, packed in a deluxe 12.5 kg box and 1 kg mesh bags. This marks a move towards specialisation and niche markets.
2012 – Launch of 2 new packaging types
A new production line allows packaging in stand-up bags (Carry Fresh) and flow-packed punnets. As a result, the ‘Chateau Pommes de Terre’ line also develops into a mature and complete line of products.
2012 – Expansion of Aardappelteeltbedrijf Ammerzoden BV
An ingenious addition to the existing cold store further increases sustainability and quality. With overhead doors all around, a canopy can be created under which the wind has free rein. Jac called it the ‘windy shed’. This is where crates of potatoes can temporarily be stored to dry. Natural ventilation helps excess moisture to evaporate from the soil on the outside without extracting moisture from the potatoes themselves.
We also install a second washing line here. Flexible and compact for quick batch changes and potato polishing. This ensures that the skins of our potatoes are perfectly clean.
2016 – New corporate identity
In 2014, we start working on a new corporate identity/house style. We choose a look that totally suits Jac van den Oord Potatoes as it is at that time: a customer-oriented specialist, a professional company that stands by its product and goes to great lengths to meet customer wishes.
2013 – 2017 Farewells
In 2013, Jeroen decides to leave the company. Léon and Jac continue to build the business together until Jac dies after a short illness. Léon continues the business.
2018 – 100 year anniversary
2018 marks the company’s 100th anniversary. We celebrate this special anniversary with various activities. Our Potato Girls Britt and Lynn produce no less than 100 vlogs on various topics. During ‘Experience the Farm 2018’, we arrange an ‘open house’ along with several other farms in the area. This initiative attracts thousands of visitors. In the autumn, there is a large party for family, staff and business associates. That is also the day on which we present a book on 100 years of Jac van den Oord Potatoes: ‘Welcome to our world of potatoes’. Written by Janneke Hobo, in collaboration with Henk de Koning who researched the history of the Van den Oord family and of the company. This means that the history of the company has now been officially recorded for posterity!
2018 – Block bottom packaging
An existing packaging line is extended by adding a vertical flowpacker for producing quadroseal block bottom bags. For the Natubalans product line, two 1.5 kg block bottom bags are introduced for waxy and floury potatoes.
2021 – 2024 Launch of the Jac van den Oord brand
After the introduction of the new corporate identity, the packaging is also due for a new and contemporary look. And, because of constant expansion, the consistency of the assortment is no longer optimal. We decide to transfer all the brands, except for Natubalans, to one overarching new brand: Jac van den Oord. The design is specifically developed to allow application on a wide range of packaging types and materials. The new assortment is structured in a way that focuses on how our customers and those who purchase from them select a product.
Would you like to learn about our latest assortment? Watch our ‘Meet the family’ video here and discover this next-generation packaging line. We are ready for the future!
