Kesbeke is one of Amsterdam Made’s sponsors and thus helps the smaller makers from the region, who are now where Kesbeke once started.
“We became big in the city. It was time to give something back.”
Kesbeke makes the tastiest pickles in the Netherlands, such as gherkins, Amsterdam onions and pearl onions. Kesbeke also regularly brings new sour products to the market, such as mildly sour beans, olives in seawater, soy beans and tulip tubers. Kesbeke also produces sauce and spreads. The factory has its own store, but mainly supplies to third parties such as supermarket chains.
It started in 1948 in a cellar in the heart of Amsterdam, on Waterlooplein. There, the first gherkins and onions were washed, pickled and pasteurized in glass jars by Charles Kesbeke – founder of the company. When his son Camiel took over the business, the company’s growth became a reality. He provided the input to expand the company. Once again there is a Kesbeke in charge: Oos, son of Camiel, is now the ‘director with heart’, as he is often named.
The best tip for starting makers from owner Oos: “Don’t give up. When you have a dream, you run into things. There are always pitfalls and obstacles along the way. Don’t give up when you put your heart and soul into something.”
Oos’ motto: “If I don’t like something, then I don’t like it. By that I mean: there is always a reason not to do something, but in reality you just don’t feel like doing it. I believe in what I do. do it, otherwise I wouldn’t do it.”
Kesbeke is also affiliated with Amsterdam Made as a maker. Read more about Kesbeke and view the products here.