The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Dutch butter and dough producers Royal VIVBuisman and Van der Pol have formally merged to create Royal Van Ballegooijen Foods (Royal VBF), bringing more than 150 years of combined craftsmanship under a single company structure.

The merger took effect on 1 January and unites Van der Pol’s dough portfolio with Royal VIVBuisman’s branded butter and ghee businesses, which include Wijsman, Royal Buisman Butter and Gold Medal Ghee. While the companies have operated closely for decades, they have continued as separate legal entities until now.

Van der Pol has been part of the Royal VIVBuisman group since 1989, when it was acquired by the Van Ballegooijen family. In 2016, Royal VIVBuisman took over Van der Pol’s butter production activities, allowing Van der Pol to focus exclusively on dough manufacturing, including puff pastry, croissant dough and cookie dough chunks.

According to the newly formed group, the merger consolidates administration, expertise and innovation capabilities, while maintaining existing brands and product quality. Royal VBF supplies both retail and B2B customers, with Royal VIVBuisman also active in private-label production.

“This merger brings together not only our administration but above all our knowledge, craftsmanship and innovation,” the company said in a statement. “It strengthens the foundation for delivering high-quality butter and dough products to bakers, industrial partners and retailers worldwide.”

The company added that the combined organisation will be more agile and efficient, enabling closer collaboration with customers across its markets.

Bart Van Belleghem has been appointed managing director of Royal VBF, which is headquartered in Wijk en Aalburg in the Netherlands.

“For generations, we have chosen quality, craftsmanship and flavour,” Van Belleghem said. “This merger not only helps us work more efficiently but above all enables us to be even closer to our customers.”

The Van Ballegooijen family traces its business roots back to 1868 and has expanded through a series of acquisitions, including VIV in 1967, H.J. Wijsman & Zonen in 1973 and Royal Buisman in 1996. Van der Pol was founded in 1885 by Joost van der Pol and his wife and has built a strong position in butter-based dough products.

Royal VBF will continue operating its established brands while integrating operations under the new corporate identity.