Meroso Foods has a deep-rooted history as Belgium-based food manufacturer. Different milestones throughout more than 60 years have made the company and its product portfolio what it is today.
1959
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The company is established in Ramsdonk, a small town 10 km north of Brussels, by the Vrancaert family. This family-owned business starts with the production of waffles and biscuits. It extends its activities by adding a range of traditional Belgian chocolates, mainly fantasy cocoa truffles, under the Vrancaert brand name. |
1972 – 1977
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The American multinational Borden Foods Inc., no. 4 in food on the American market, gradually acquires the ownership of Vrancaert to become Borden Belgium. |
1980
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Borden Belgium acquires the waffle producer Suzy Waffles in Buizingen (Brussels). |
1981
Two new products are added to the product portfolio of Borden Belgium:
- ReaLemon & ReaLime lemon and lime juice
- Hemo Instant cocoa drink
1982
Borden Foods Inc. reorganizes its European activities and the production of all bakery products is moved to the Suzy Waffles plant in Buizingen (Brussels).
The installation of a production line at Borden Belgium in Ramsdonk marks the official European launch of ReaLemon & ReaLime lemon and lime juice, the no. 1 brand in the USA. Combined with a Belgium-based marketing and sales office, the ReaLemon & ReaLime brand are successfully expanded in Europe, Middle -& Far East.
1986
Borden Belgium scales up its production of Belgian chocolate truffles to an industrial level. Successfully linking their knowledge, craftmanship and the reputation of traditional Belgian chocolates with an efficient and qualitative industrial approach.
1988
Borden Foods Inc. sells Suzy Waffles to a French company named Brossard. Later the company and brand will be sold to the Belgian company Lotus Bakeries.
1994
On both chocolate production lines in the Ramsdonk-based plant, focus is put on the production of Belgian chocolate truffles. Fantasy cocoa truffles remain part of the product assortment, but with lower priority and scale.
1998
After a management buy-out, Borden Belgium becomes Meroso Foods. The existing know-how, experience and international approach, implemented by a lean and dynamic management team were and are the base of further international expansion. Meroso Foods is a leading player in niche market segments, both with Lemaître Belgian chocolate truffles and ReaLemon & ReaLime lemon and lime juice.
2001
Meroso Foods receives the highest level of BRC & IFS Accreditation.
2006
Hemo Instant cocoa drink is sold to the Greek company Yiotis
Meroso Foods focuses on the further expansion of the two remaining product groups in its portfolio:
- ReaLemon & ReaLime lemon and lime juice
- Lemaître Belgian chocolate truffels