We are not new.
As pioneers in nutritional ingredients we’ve been nourishing health for centuries. Our journey began in 1662 trading spices and essential nutrients like salt. Today, we lend our expertise to supplying the ‘new spices’ of the modern world, vitamins and minerals.
Our guiding light throughout this time has been our vision to build long-lasting partnerships, not only with our customers but also suppliers, employees, industry peers and market leaders. This belief has been crucial to our success and paved the way for centuries of fruitful partnerships built on trust and a common purpose.
1662 - Founded
Van Eeghen Merchant Company was founded by Jacob van Eeghen in Amsterdam. Jacob fled as a Huguenot (Protestant) to North Holland from West Flanders, Belgium. Established products included: linen, linseed, wool, wine, timber, salt and sugar, first focussing on Europe and later the West Indies. As a competitor of the monopolistic Dutch East India company, initially, our business focussed on the West (Americas) rather than the East (Asia).
Lesson learned: Choose your own path (and never join a monopoly)
1700's - First Female Business Tycoon
Suzanna Block saved the company twice as one the world’s first female business tycoons. Suzanna stepped into the company to manage the business when her husband (Christiaen van Eeghen) died at a young age. Later Suzanna stepped in again when her son also passed away at a young age. Her grandson Jan van Eeghen continued the dynasty.
Lesson learned: Employ (and marry) strong women.
1776 - Oyens & Van Eeghen Bank
Vaneeghen diversified further into finance and insurance, establishing a bank. The finance activities would compensate for slow trade business during times of war.
Lesson learned: Diversify
1800's - Big Business in the USA
Vaneeghen was one of the main houses trading with the USA whilst also providing finance to the newly established country.
Moreover, 5.5 million acres of land were purchased in the states of New York and Pennsylvania. This was in anticipation of more emigration from Europe to the USA. When in 1830 this emigration still did not really pick up, the land was sold for a small profit as the risks were becoming too high (maybe we sold a bit too early…).
Lesson learned: Choose for continuity over maximizing profits with high risks.
1864 - Vondelpark Established
A group lead by Christiaan van Eeghen creates the recreational Vondelpark and sells it symbolically for 1 Guilder to the citizens of Amsterdam. The Van Eeghen’s were also involved in establishing the Rijksmuseum, Concert Building, Stedelijk Museum and the first social housing projects.
Lessons learned: Care about your community.
1900 - Samuel Pieter van Eeghen
As one of the most powerful men in the history of the van Eeghen family, ‘SP’ van Eeghen pulled the strings in the Amsterdam business world with his brother in law, Willem van Loon. By then, Vaneeghen had an extensive network in the East Indies.‘Mister SP’ was a true innovator – he championed forward-thinking initiatives such as the creation of Schiphol Airport, and he transformed his residence at Herengracht 462 into our current office, complete with modern advancements like telegram and electricity.
1945 - Niche markets
Vaneeghen moved into niche food markets. First into, for example, specialty coffees and cocoa products and later we became a major supplier of dehydrated vegetables and spices for convenience food.
Lesson learned: Pay attention to niche markets.
1991 - Van Eeghen Functional Ingredients Established
Vaneeghen sets up new Functional Food Ingredients division, focussing on the sale of the ‘new’ spices, vitamins and minerals. Key focus: Infant and clinical foods, sports and nutritional supplement markets.
Lesson learned: Be agile and focus on knowledge, innovation and high service levels to clients.
2018 - Onwards
These exciting yet challenging times call for smart solutions from adaptable teams – a balance of head and heart. We’re here to help you steer your organisation in the right direction. Big and experienced enough for your ambitions, yet small and agile enough to create new and tailored nutritional solutions.
