Last Sunday was the day. It’s hard to tell, but Willem Dijk turned 65 years old. The founder of wholesaler Willem Dijk AGF BV is ‘quietly’ celebrating his birthday in Spain, where you are welcome, of course.
Following are some photos of Willem’s illustrious career.
Willem started in our branch as an agent, and drove three lorries at the time. Photo from 1989.
During that time, Willem started with his own potatoes, which he bought from Jaap Kodde (Flevostar). Photo from 1991.
The fleet of lorries in 1990.
Willem as agent in 1990, on the auction benches, which is how many people will know him.
Willem’s hobby has always been cars. He bought this Volkswagen Beetle in 1991.
In 1994, Willem stopped as agent and started with wholesale in Aartsenfruit’s building in Esnchede, the Netherlands.
During that first year, 1994, they had to work with computers…
In 1995, Willem bought Altena’s former building, and the wholesaler moved.
Contact with Spain was made early on, such as in the packing station of Bollo in 2000.
Willem at the fresh produce fair in Houten in 2000.
In 2003, Willem started importing directly from Spain. Pictured are the Galia melons from Gregal.
Willem Sr and Willem Jr in the ‘old’ sales office in 2005.
In 2007, Willem imported the brand Coelx for some seasons. In this photo, Willem is next to Rita, his wife who has always supported him.
Willem is always up for a joke, such as in this photo, with the made up Ciwi in 2009.
Willem, who has a creative mind, always manages to come up with something new, for example, the so-called cauliflower auction in 2011.
Willem enjoys spending time in Spain, and is working on trade there, such as in this cauliflower field in 2012.
A party for the opening of the new warehouse in 2012.
Age is a heavy burden, in 2013 he had surgery on his eyes.
Visiting Aranda in Spain, the packing station of own brand Filosofo in 2014.
In 2015, his brother Gerty retired, but now it’s nearly his turn.
He might have turned 65, he cycles about 65 kilometres practically every day.
Recent photo with his favourite own brand oranges, Elefant.