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.

1953
Foresight through modernization; the horse cart is replaced by a ‘modern’ truck.

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
The market is changing; Grocery stores are slowly disappearing and supermarkets have good opportunities.

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.

1990
Befru a trading company mainly focused on the export of Dutch fruits and vegetables is founded by De Groot International and Befru director Jan Benschop.

1991
2nd generation Leonard de Groot leaves the company for an early retirement.

1991
His brother Marius de Groot constructs a new board with his sons William and Ben.

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 De Groot South Africa, a local sourcing office of fruits and vegetables to get a hold on the best products of the African market on the southern hemisphere.

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.

2003
De Groot International terminates its business operations in Venlo

2005
Investment vehicle Halder (GIMV) acquires a stake in De Groot International.

2005
Development of a long term business plan for De Groot International.

2005
2nd generation Marius de Groot leaves the company to retire but remains an advisor for current policy.

2005
René van Dommele, director of Van Dommele enters the company.

2005
Befru is integrated with De Groot International. Director Jan Benschop enters the organisation.

2005
A new board is established by Ben de Groot, William de Groot, Raymond Kriekaard and René van Dommele.

2006
De Groot International acquires a stake in Kooij Antwerpen, a company specialised in banana ripening. Director Bram Kooij withdraws and leaves the business management to his kids Marcel and Miriam.

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.

30'ies - House for living and business	1950 - Selling with the horse cart
1950 - Horse cart 'the small profit'	1953 - a 'modern' truck
Late 70'ies - Purchase of new trucks	Late 80'ies - De Groot family on the floor
untill 2008 - the old trusted fruitbasket	Don Mario - Marius de Groot