In 1988, the Dutch corporation outgrew its location and a new slaughterhouse and meat processing plant were built on the spacious industrial estate in Apeldoorn Zuid on Laan van Malkenschoten.

Since 1994, Ekro has been part of the VanDrie Group – the world market leader in veal, operating at all stages of the production chain. Increasing customer demand for deboned products led to the building of a new deboning facility in 2001. Till date, Ekro is the world’s largest veal producer.

The Dutch-owned VanDrie Group is not only the world market leader in veal, but also a company built on the best family traditions. It was in the early 1960s that Jan van Drie purchased his first newborn calf for fattening. Today, with more than 25 companies, the group is the largest integrated veal producer in the world and thereby the global market leader in veal and the largest producer of calf milk. Monitored by Safety Guard, a unique integral chain management system, approximately 1.5 million calves are processed each year, more than 95% of which are exported all around the world. The VanDrie Group satisfies approximately 28% of European demand for veal.

All companies in the VanDrie Group are 100% aware of their responsibility for optimum quality in the products to be supplied. This is true of the livestock farm, the calf feed production and the meat companies. We work together to off that guarantee to the end user. This is what promoted the VanDrie Group to devise an integrated approach, guided by the most advanced control systems. Furhtermore, integration is the perfect answer to  constantly changing consumer needs and market trends. For this reason, the VanDrie Group, with it’s globally unique integrated production chain, is chosen.

Respect for people, animals and quality has been second nature at the VanDrie Group for generations. It forms the basis of our craftsmanship and partnership, and it’s key to the product that is ultimately delivered: Controlled Quality Veal.