30’ies Willem de Groot (1st generation) starts a trading company in fresh produce at his house in Kerkdriel.
1950 ‘de kleine winst’ (‘the small profit’) serves the local market by selling potatoes, fruits and vegetables, from the horse cart.
1951 Leonard de Groot (2nd generation) starts working in the family business.
1957 Marius de Groot (2nd generation) starts working in the family business.
1961 Foundation of a Besloten Vennootschap (incorporated private enterprise), the company name changes into De Groot & Zn BV.
1972 1st generation Willem de Groot passes away. The brothers Leonard and Marius take over the Helm and change the company name into Gebroeders De Groot BV (Brothers De Groot BV).
1983 William de Groot (3rd generation) starts working in the family business.
1984 Moving from the accommodation in Kerkdriel to the new housing in Hedel.
1984 Foundation of De Groot Chile, a local sourcing office to get a hold on the best products of the South-American market through which De Groot International can grow to one of the largest importers of Europe from South-America.
1985 Ben de Groot (3rd generation) starts working in the family business.
1987 The business focus moves to a more international approach. Consequently the business name is changed into De Groot International BV.
1991 2nd generation Leonard de Groot leaves the company for an early retirement.
1991 Marius de Groot constructs a new board with his sons William and Ben. 2nd generation Leonard de Groot leaves the company for an early retirement.
1993 Foundation of Hortím Czech Republic, a local sales office in order to be able to control the market in Eastern-European countries.
1997 Foundation of transporting company Global Logistics Holland BV.
1998 De Groot International acquires a stake in Van Dommele in Breda, a company specialised in import and export of fruits and vegetables.
1999 Foundation of De Groot Venlo through the acquiring of fruit and vegetable trader Zanders.
2000 Foundation of De Groot China, a local sourcing office of fruits and vegetables to get a hold on the best products of the Asian market and to secure food safety by educating suppliers in Quality Management.
2000 De Groot International sells Hortím Czech Republic to Fyffes.
2005 2nd generation Marius de Groot leaves the company to retire but remains an advisor for current policy. Investment vehicle Halder (GIMV) acquires a stake in De Groot International.
2006 De Groot International acquires a stake in Kooij Antwerp, a company specialised in banana ripening.
2007 Foundation of DG Fruit UK, a local sales office for the market in the UK.
2007 De Groot International acquires a stake in Borgers Bananas in Veenoord, a company specialised in banana ripening.
2009 De Groot International acquires a stake in Alexport in Alblasserdam, a company specialised in import and export of fruits and vegetables.
2011 Ben and William de Groot repurchase all stakes from Investment vehicle Halder (GIMV).
2011 De Groot international sells all stakes of Alexport.
2012 De Groot International acquires all remaining stakes from Kooij Antwerp.
2013 DG UK moves to a new accommodation in Croydon, little south from London.
2014 Foundation of De Groot Bananas. Start building of new banana ripening facility in Hedel.
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