Putteman family: From Belchim to a 57 million euro fortune in the crop protection industry
Putteman family
Belchim is a company specializing in the distribution of crop protection products. Founded in 1987 by Dirk PuttemanThe company began in Belgium and expanded to the Netherlands, becoming Belchim Benelux. In 2001, it was renamed Belchim Crop Protection. Over the years, Belchim has continued to diversify its range of specialized products, and has established itself in various European countries, becoming a major player in the crop protection sector. The Putteman family has an estimated fortune of over 57 million euros.
The company has focused on research and innovation from the outset. A own test stationinaugurated in 2006 in Londerzeel, near the company's head office, bears witness to this commitment. The station covers an area of around 10 hectareswhere various crops are tested under real-life conditions using plant protection products from the Belchim portfolio.
Dirk has sold 38 % of its shares to two major Japanese companiesincluding Mitsuirenowned for their innovations in the agricultural sector. This has enabled Belchim to strengthen its market presence, notably by collaborating with agile entities benefiting from extensive distribution networks. The alliance has also enabled Belchim to integrate more effectively into the global agrochemicals value chain.
On the other hand, after the unexpected death of Dirk in 2018 at the age of 60, accounting irregularities were revealed. Under his tenure, Belchim's sales figures had been artificially inflated. The new management made a correction to the accounts for 2017, reducing sales by 63 million euros. This revision resulted in a loss of 91 million euros for the company and a reduction in equity to 11 million euros. Since then, Belchim has depended on bank support and is seeking new capital to stabilize.
In addition to expanding in Europe, Belchim has also explored the North American market, acquiring a majority stake in 60 % in Engage Agroa sales network in Canada. Similar steps are underway to establish a presence in the United States, underlining the company's ambition to secure its place in the global panorama of the crop protection products industry.
Visit Putteman and Puttemans families have a notable presence, with members such as Sarah Puttemansan influential figure on social networks and daughter of Yves Puttemansa well-known real estate developer. Sarah Puttemans accumulates a base of 234,000 followers on Instagram and collaborates with brands such as Chanel and Dior, making her an influential figure beyond the agricultural sector.
The trajectory of Belchim and Putteman and Puttemans families illustrates both strong growth and significant challenges. Dirk's legacy continues to mark the company despite recent obstacles, and the search for new partnerships and capital remains crucial to the company's future. The Puttemans dynasty is full of different elements, all of them successful, which has given the family an estate of over 50 million euros.
