Crossminds facilitates joint venture between Cornelis Vrolijk and Krijn Verwijs

Both family businesses, founded in 1880, have signed a letter of intent, with Cornelis Vrolijk set to participate in the shellfish and seafood activities of Krijn Verwijs

Krijn Verwijs Yerseke

For the Verwijs family, everything revolves around the sea. Great-grandfather and founder Pieter Verwijs started cultivating oysters in 1880.

“We are proud to continue his legacy with Premier and ensure that our customers worldwide can enjoy a full range of shellfish and sea vegetables every day.”

With an active role in the entire production chain, from source to table, they are able to maintain exceptional quality and deliver the freshest products.

Cornelis Vrolijk

The foundation for Cornelis Vrolijk was laid in 1880 by Frank Vrolijk in Scheveningen. In recent years, the family business has grown into a family of companies engaged in the fishing, farming, and processing of fish and shrimp.

“For more than 100 years, our skilled professionals have been harvesting the best products from the sea. Cornelis Vrolijk is involved in the entire supply chain, from boat to shelf, with quality, reliability, and sustainability as key values.”

Joint Venture

Both Cornelis Vrolijk and Krijn Verwijs aspire to become leaders in the seafood sector. With decades of experience in the fish industry, they aim to fill the seafood category with healthy products. Innovations, such as ready-to-eat mussels, machine-peeled shrimp in the Netherlands, and a rich variety of fish species, contribute to a diverse and innovative portfolio. The products are sustainably fished and farmed, with both companies constantly seeking improvements in CO2 reduction and circularity.

“With Cornelis Vrolijk as a complementary partner, we are combining our strengths and adding value to our company. It enhances our regional and international position, strengthens our product portfolio, intensifies our innovation efforts, and bolsters our role in the protein transition,” explains Caroline Verwijs, Managing Director of Krijn Verwijs Yerseke.
“We remain Krijn Verwijs, a family business deeply committed to the shellfish industry and emphasizing the importance of a healthy Dutch mussel and oyster sector. We will also keep our Premier brand and slogan, ‘Seafarmers by Nature,’ under which we market our products.”

Annerieke Vrolijk, General Director of Cornelis Vrolijk, added: “In Krijn Verwijs, we have found a partner who, like us, values the family spirit, characterized by craftsmanship, trust, loyalty, and sustainable relationships.” Furthermore, the strategy of the Yerseke-based company aligns perfectly with Cornelis Vrolijk’s “from boat to shelf” approach.

The 50-50 joint venture aims to strengthen the supply chain and develop a joint sales strategy in the fields of fish and shellfish. Both companies expect this collaboration to realize their growth ambitions for the coming years. Sustainable and intensive relationships with farmers, the continuation of the family business, and the safeguarding of food security play a crucial role in this.

Crossminds

The Crossminds team included Pieter Poortvliet and Jeffrey Kiepe, working closely with Manfred Zurhorst of Moore DRV. Both Crossminds and Moore DRV have extensive experience in the shellfish sector.

Pieter Poortvliet commented: “A transaction between two parties with rich histories and mutual respect. A partnership that creates a win-win situation for both sides.”