A rich history, a good year, and a bright outlook

1970

Seeing the opportunity

Born into a farming family in Weert in The Netherlands, it was Jules Joosten who saw the potential of trading in condensed milk. His entrepreneurial spirit and drive led to the formation of Interfood, together with his friend Jan Beelen.

1970-1980

Opening up the European market

During this period Interfood specialised in exporting condensed milk to Greece, and high nutrient milk to Italy.

It was a challenging decade but, within five years, Interfood had expanded its portfolio to include milk and whey powder, opening up the European market. However, the expansion required logistics expertise, and that was provided by our current CEO Frank van Stipdonk.

1980-1990

Scaling up

Interfood grew into a team of 15 by 1990 and, by that time, our portfolio included condensed milk, high nutrient milk, milk, and whey powder.

We began trading outside Europe, in Egypt and Cyprus, and working with local agents in Uruguay and Oceania.

1990-2000

Frank van Stipdonk steps in and transitions Interfood into a global player

In the early nineties, Interfood suffered the pain of losing Interfood founder and inspiration, Jules Joosten, more than just a colleague, part of our team.

Frank van Stipdonk agreed to take over the company as CEO and, in under a decade, it was Frank who transitioned Interfood into a global player, and one adding value to the entire dairy supply chain. Jules Joosten would be a proud man.

We celebrated our first successful bid on milk powder tenders from Algeria and Brazil in 1992 and began trading in eastern Europe soon after, opening an office in Ukraine. This was followed by expansion in Poland, America, and New Zealand, in each case working hand-in-hand with local shareholders.

In 1995, we celebrated our 25th anniversary in style, hosting a party in Orlando.

2000-2010

Becoming more than a trader

Expansion continued apace in the first decade of the 21st century, with new offices established in Australia, Miami, and Singapore.

To maintain our competitive advantage, we had to become more than a traditional trader, so we extended our professional service portfolio to include supply chain, technical, financial, and dairy risk management services.

We also set up our own research and development programme and the Interfood Academy to be able to offer a more tailor-made approach to customers.

2010-2021

Partner of choice

In 2015, we restructured the Group for more optimal global cooperation. At this time, all shareholders were placed on an equal level to enhance team spirit and Group collaboration.

Our strategic value propositions were also Revised to focus on market insight, risk management, supply chain solutions, and technical service, and to recognise and acknowledge our wider role in fosterin sustainability in the dairy sector.

In 2020, we celebrated our 50th anniversary. Although the pandemic prevented an in-person celebration, the alternative festivities were a great success and a fitting way in which to recognise our achievements since 1970.

In 2021, we redefined our purpose supported by new corporate values: teamwork, commitment, professionalism, continuous improvement, and responsible leadership, values that are now embedded in Interfood.