"On Saturday, September 16, 2023, we proudly celebrated an incredible milestone: our 75th anniversary. Our company, P. Solleveld Export BV, reached this respectable age on August 20, 2023 - a moment to pause and celebrate. But that wasn't the only thing that made this year special; we also honored five jubilarians who've been with us tirelessly for 25 years," begins Annemieke Hendrix-Koot.
This Dutch company's tale started with its founder, Piet Solleveld Senior. He began as a fruit and vegetable commission agent at the Westerlee auction in De Lier. In 1967, his son, Piet Solleveld Jr, followed in his footsteps. A year later, after his father's death, Piet Junior kept working solidly. In 1970, he began exporting fruits and vegetables, which paved the way to the international market.
"In 1998, the company moved from De Lier to the modern transport system in Maasdijk, where we're based to this day. As a thriving medium-sized export business, we've grown. We have 50 dedicated employees and a fleet of nine trucks shuttling back and forth daily between the Netherlands and Germany."
"Our exports aren't limited to Germany; we also supply Scandinavia, Austria, Portugal, Lithuania, and even Bonaire. More than 25 years ago, we introduced our 'Natura' house brand. Various products, like TOV and bell peppers, are packed day fresh at growers, bearing our label," says Annemieke.
"We get products from across the globe every day to send to our valued customers from our state-of-the-art refrigerated transshipment center. Our extensive assortment means clients can order a mix of products from a single pallet to several full ones of the same product. Our customer base is as diverse as our offerings."
"From supermarket chains to wholesale markets, from hotels and restaurants to corporate canteens, hospitals, and zoos, we supply many. Alongside fruits and vegetables, we also have exotics, cresses, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and nuts," Annemieke explains.
"How do we stand out? Through our service orientation and flexibility. A backorder placed in the afternoon reaches the German buyer within a few hours."
"This past year, however, brought grief too. Last September, Piet Solleveld Jr, the man who had put his heart and soul into building this company, passed away. But his legacy lives on. The business continues under the leadership of his chosen shareholders' leadership. They foster his vision and honor his legacy."
"And though he cannot share this anniversary with us, we felt it was important to honor his pride and dedication by celebrating it. Because for Piet Solleveld Export BV, 75 years isn't just a number; it's a journey full of passion, growth, and future," Annemieke concludes.
For more information:
Annemieke Hendrix-Koot
P. Solleveld Export BV
45 Transportweg
2676 LM, Maasdijk, NL
Tel.: +31 (0) 174 527 415
Email: [email protected]
www.solleveld.nl