The History
With the fourth generation at the helm, the family business Verstegen Spices & Sauces has a rich history. We even managed to stay afloat after the bombings in Rotterdam. Verstegen has now been active in the herb and spice industry for over 140 years.
The Foundation
Verstegen Spice Trade and Preservative Factory was founded in 1886 by Mr. Verstegen in Rotterdam. In 1897, Mr. Verstegen passed away.
After his death, the company was continued under the direction of two authorized signatories: Messrs. C. Diederik and J. Man in 't Veld. Under their leadership, the company was involved in the trade of spices, dried fruits, and bakery ingredients.
The Tripartition
Around 1914, Mr. Diederik's eldest daughter became engaged to Mr. F.P. Kersteman, who sold his painting business and joined his father-in-law, Mr. Diederik. When the notorious anti-trust law was introduced in 1915, Verstegen Spices and Preservatives Factory was split into three parts:
• C. Diederik and Son Bakery Ingredients, managed by Mr. Diederik;
• J.H. Verstegen, managed by Mr. Man in 't Veld;
• Verstegen Spices and Preservatives Factory, managed by Mr. Kersteman, who married Mr. Diederik's daughter in 1918.
Butchery and sausage making
Verstegen laid the foundation in the butchery and sausage making.
A loyal customer base
Especially after the end of World War I, the company prospered. Despite the crisis years in 1932 and 1933, the company managed to stay afloat. By delivering quality, service, and reliability, Verstegen gained a large and loyal customer base that ensured the steady growth of the company.
First generation Driessens
In 1939, Mr. B.J. Driessen (Jan Driessen's father) joined the company as a representative and married Mr. Kersteman's daughter. A few years later, B.J. Driessen took over the company. This brought the first generation of Driessens to the helm.
Securing the recipes
On May 14, 1940, pitch-black smoke clouds hung over Rotterdam, and the company at Hugo de Grootstraat 104 was completely destroyed, with the exception of the safe containing Verstegen recipes. Mr. Kersteman managed to secure the recipes from this safe a few hours before the major bombing of Rotterdam.
Liberation
A year after liberation on May 5, 1945, raw materials slowly but surely started to become available again, and a tentative start was made from a garage in the Kralingen district. It wasn't until six years after the end of WWII that we had business premises on Hoornbrekerstraat again and quality raw materials in stock.
International growth
In 1949, our international growth began just across the border in Belgium, and in 1962, we also started exploring the field of hospitality and institutional kitchens.
Extension
After about twelve years, the premises on Hoornbrekerstraat also became too small. On December 30, 1964, the beautiful new business premises at Giessenweg 62 were put into use, where production still takes place today.
A new owner
On November 30, 1979, Mr. B.J. Driessen retired as director and owner of Verstegen and also announced that his son Jan Driessen would take over.
The third generation of the Driessens family
In 2009, Michel Driessen, son of Jan Driessen, became the owner of the company, marking the third generation of Driessens at the helm.
Purest herbs and spices
With over 140 years of experience, much has changed over the years, but to this day, we are known for our high quality, craftsmanship, and reliability. We are active in more than 30 countries around the world, from supermarkets to industrial applications. With a wide variety of the purest herbs and spices to the most delicious mixes, sauces, and marinades.
