Discover the fascinating story of the Delhaize family, pioneers in the Belgian food retail sector. With an estimated fortune of over 278 million euros, Delhaize has evolved to become a key player in the global market. Despite challenges, including the merger with Ahold and the distinction with Louis Delhaize Group, this family continues to influence the retail landscape.
Roger Dick, from an influential family in the frozen vegetable industry, has diversified and strengthened the family heritage with the Dicogel and Roger & Roger companies. Based in Staden, West Flanders, these companies rank among the 320 largest in Belgium, with assets totaling €74,906,000. Find out how Roger navigated economic and health challenges to build a thriving empire in the frozen food and potato chips sectors.
Michel Dick, co-founder of Westfro in 1971 in Staden, transformed a frozen vegetable company into a major player in the sector. Alongside Georges De Geest and André Talpe, Dick built a successful company, overcoming family and industrial challenges. Today, Westfro, under the management of the second generation, embodies Michel Dick's legacy of innovation and perseverance, having built a fortune of over 55 million.
Discover the spectacular rise of Versele-Laga, from a modest grocery store to an animal nutrition empire valued at over 289 million euros. This Belgian family saga, marked by innovation and international expansion, has revolutionized the animal feed industry over three generations, while maintaining remarkable discretion.
Jan Ollevier, a visionary entrepreneur in the retail sector, has built an empire valued at over 437 million euros. At the head of the Beliving holding company, he manages flagship brands such as Exterioo and Juntoo, leaders in garden and interior furniture. His aggressive expansion strategy includes the purchase of Vendis Capital shares and a massive 80 million euro investment in a 150,000 m² logistics hub in Ghent. Ollevier relies on diversification, digitalization and logistics optimization to consolidate its leading position. With brands such as X²O Badkamers and a strong presence in Belgium and the Netherlands, Jan Ollevier is redefining the landscape of furniture distribution, combining ambitious growth with constant innovation.
Vincent De Gryse, unexpected heir to KV Kortrijk, has turned a sporting legacy into a business opportunity. He became majority owner of the club after the death of his brother, eventually selling it for 3 million euros to Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan in 2015. At the same time, De Gryse built up a commercial empire with his Stop & Shop stores, strategically located near the Franco-Belgian border. Specializing in the sale of tobacco and alcohol, these stores target an international clientele attracted by low prices. This dual strategy has enabled De Gryse to accumulate a fortune estimated at over 34 million euros, illustrating his flair for cross-border business opportunities.
"Stefan Descheemaeker, CEO of Nomad Foods since 2015, has forged a remarkable career in the global food industry. With experience at Delhaize and AB InBev, the 57-year-old strategist has played a key role in major mergers and acquisitions.
The Van Malderen family has built an industrial empire worth an estimated 950 million euros, from a modest production facility for medical products in Buggenhout. From Paul Van Malderen's creation of Ontex to Bart's international expansion of Drylock, via investments in real estate and winegrowing, the Van Malderens have boldly diversified their activities.
Luc Geuten, with assets of over 51 million euros, is a perfect example of the resilience and innovation of the business world.
The Vanaudenhove family transformed a post-war shoe surplus into a business empire, Euro Shoe Union, valued at over 54 million euros. Navigating through economic challenges, including a major crisis.
