History

1856

The Van Drunen family emigrates from the Netherlands to the United States in June. They begin their legacy as farmers, planting potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beans, peas, turnips and onions.

Pictured: Arie and Anna, the first Van Drunen immigrants

1960

Ed and Robert Van Drunen begin planting chives, harvesting and selling them fresh to the Chicago market, or freezing them for use primarily by dairies in sour cream and cream cheese products.

1977

The farm is incorporated as R. J. Van Drunen & Sons, Inc.

1980

The first Van Drunen Farms processing plant is built in Momence, IL. The Farm Plant, still in operation today, houses both IQF and freeze-drying processes.

1985

The first eight freeze-drying chambers are purchased, and four start operating over the next year. Since that time, we have become one of the largest suppliers of freeze-dried ingredients in the United States.

1987

All operations move from South Holland, IL, to our current headquarters in Momence, IL.

1988

The first line of IQF Herbs is introduced at the Farm Plant.

1994

The first double cylinder drum-dryer is constructed and installed at the Tuthill Plant. Today, we have two processing facilities dedicated solely to the production of drum-dried ingredients.

1996

The organic farming certification process is completed, introducing the company into what would soon become a rapidly expanding market.

1996

Production of infused fruits begins at the Tuthill Plant.

1997

A fire-roasting line is added at the Farm Plant for the production of specialty IQF roasted vegetables.

2004

VDF Europe is established with a new freeze-drying plant in Serbia, a prime agricultural region.

2015

Two new, state of the art facilities begin operating in Crown Point, IN, and Momence, IL.

2017

We produce quality ingredients for our valued customers at five high capacity facilities in the Midwest and one in Serbia. Our commitment to growth and improvement continues in every area of our operation.