The Enchanting History of Kaasgroothandel Van Herk
Established in 1897 by Govert van Herk, Cheese Wholesaler Van Herk has a rich and storied past. From its headquarters on the Delftsestraat in the heart of Rotterdam, the company diligently delivered an extensive range of cheeses to local farmers, grocers, and water stokers via cargo bikes and dog carts.
Regrettably, during the Second World War, the building on Delftsestraat was unfortunately lost. However, Cheese Wholesaler Van Herk demonstrated remarkable resilience and continued its operations on the adjacent Zaagmolenstraat in Rotterdam.
The advent of new times brought about significant changes for the company. As a result, Cheese Wholesaler Van Herk embarked on a journey of expansion, gradually increasing its supply to market traders in Rotterdam. This marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history, leading to its gradual growth and transformation into the esteemed institution it is today.
In 1985, we relocated to the Rotterdam Wholesale Market and have since expanded our operations to include the HORECA and Food Service industries.
We established a dairy manufacturing and processing facility in Acconia, Italy, and commenced the production of Mozzarella Cheese in Blocks, Shredded and Diced.
- We commenced the importation of food and beverages from Polish factories and subsequently established representation in the Netherlands and Italy.
- We initiated the production of Gouda cheese in Blocks, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
- We commenced the importation of food and beverages from Greece and subsequently distributed them across the Netherlands and Italy.
- We started the the production of Edam cheese in Blocks, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
- Our initial export destination was Asia.
- We have established exclusive agreements with food and beverage manufacturers in Belgium and represent them in the Netherlands and Italy.
- Our initial export destination was Africa.
- We obtained the ISO 9001 certification.
- We commenced the production of Kashkaval Cheese in Blocks, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
We have established a processing facility in Bodegraven, the Netherlands, at 2411NS. This facility enables us to import globally semi-finished products and complete the process to make them ready for consumption.
- We obtained the certification ISO 22000.
- We developed our own brands: “Il Selezione” and “Alpremo”.
- We have started the production of Imitation Cheeses, such as Mozzarella, Edam, Gouda, Kashkaval, White Cheddar, Red Cheddar, Emmental, Maasdam, Feta and Parmesan types.
- We commenced offering our international clientele a diverse range of food and beverages under our proprietary brands, "Il Selezione" and "Alpremo".
- Our inaugural export transaction was executed to the North American market.
- We obtained the HACCP certification.
- Our first export was made to South America.
- We initiated the production of White Cheddar Cheese in Blocks, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
- We have obtained Halal certification.
- Our first export was made to Oceania.
- We have started the production of Vegan Cheeses, such as Mozzarella, Edam, Gouda, Kashkaval, White Cheddar, Red Cheddar, Emmental, Maasdam, Feta and Parmesan types.
- We have started the production of Red Cheddar Cheese in Block, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
- We have commenced the production of Emmental cheese in Wheels, Blocks, Shredded, Diced, Cuts and Sliced.
To enhance our distribution capabilities, we have expanded our warehouse in 2411NS Bodegraven, Netherlands to accommodate chilled and frozen products. This expansion allows us to consolidate containers containing a diverse range of products from all our facilities, enabling us to efficiently supply our international customers.
- We initiated the production of Maasdam Cheese in Wheel, Block, Shredded, Diced, Cuts and Slices.
- We have started the Production of Analogue Mozzarella Cheese in Block, Shredded and Diced.
- We have established a new Procurement Division in Kayalar Sokak No. 3A2, 17020 Canakkale, Türkiye.
- We have commenced the production of Analogue Edam Cheese in Block, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
- We initiated the production of Analogue Gouda Cheese in Block, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
We have established a new distribution warehouse in 2411PZ Bodegraven, Netherlands, with the capability to receive, re-pack, re-label, store and load all kind of Food & Beverages in ambient, chilled and frozen conditions.
- We participated as an exhibitor at Marca 2023 in Bologna, Italy.
- We established a new Commercial Division at Via Roma 7-9, 16121 Genova (GE), Italy.
- We participated as an exhibitor at SIAL 2024 in Paris, France.
- We have started the production of Analogue White Cheddar Cheese in Block, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
- We have commenced the production of Red Cheddar Cheese in Block, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
- We initiated the production of Analogue Emmental Cheese in Block, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
- We have started the production of Analogue Maasdam Cheese in Block, Shredded, Diced and Sliced.
Via Roma 7-9
16121 Genoa (GE)
Italy
88022 Acconia (CZ) / Italy
Plant Number : IT 1820 CE
2411NS Bodegraven / Netherlands
Plant Number : NL Z 0124 EG
2411PZ Bodegraven
Netherlands