Our Story
Peka Kroef has its roots in De Peel, traditionally an area of bog land in the Dutch Province of Noord-Brabant. Through sheer hard work, local farmers made the peat lands fertile for agriculture. The Kroef family belongs to the very first Peel Pioneers. They created ideal soil conditions for cultivating our potatoes. Gerard Kroef established the foundation for the modern-day company in the 1970s. He is still closely involved in the day-to-day affairs of the company, together with his son Bart.
Contact usMilestones
What started out as a small operation on a farm in Odiliapeel has since grown into an international company of stature. Today, we are a leading producer of chilled potatoes and our products are available throughout Western Europe.
50s
Company Foundation
In the 1950s, Piet Kroef started trading in potatoes at his farm in Odiliapeel in the Province of Noord-Brabant. He bought potatoes from growers in the surrounding area, graded them and resold them.
1963
America
In 1963, his son Gerard Kroef travelled to America, where he gained practical experience in potato processing.
1964
Potato Service Holland - Berlin
In 1964, Gerard Kroef started a business in fresh French fries in West Berlin.
1967
Potato speciality stores Düsseldorf
Three years later, he and his wife Annemarie opened specialist potato shops in Düsseldorf. The proceeds from Germany were reinvested in new developments in the Netherlands.
Early 70s
Mechanical Peeling
In the 1970s, in response to the demand for peeled potatoes from catering kitchens, the decision was made to mechanically peel potatoes.
1972
Steam Peeling & Cooking
Two years later, in 1972, the switch was made to steam peeling and boiling, especially for the salad industry.
Early 80s
Pasteurisation of vacuum-packed potato products
In the 1980s, Gerard and his brother Henk decided to start vacuum packaging and pasteurising potatoes and vegetables for industry and catering.
1985
Start production potato gratin
Under Gerard’s leadership, Peka Kroef started with the production of potato gratin and grew to become Western Europe’s market leader.
1996
Introduction Freshline
In 1996, Gerard and his son Bart chartered a new course by focusing on the foodservice market and the Peka Freshline brand was launched. This versatile potato range responded to the ever increasing demand for convenience and quality.
1999
Retail Product Launch
In 1999, Peka Kroef expanded its business with the introduction of a completely new ultra fresh product range for the retail channel. Here, too, the company once again responded to various market demands, such as variation and convenience, for example.
Late 90s
Full focus on potatoes
Peka Kroef bids farewell to vegetable processing to focus entirely on potatoes.
2024
Acquisition of Frespo
In 2024, Frespo, based in Cuijk, was acquired by Peka Kroef. This acquisition creates additional production capacity to meet the growing demand.
2025
Start Fresh'n Easy
Today
Today
Peka Kroef has since grown into a specialist and leading player on the Western European market for chilled potatoes. Peka’s key values are reliability, innovativity and flexibility. Always with a key focus on the customer. The company, year after year, makes significant investments in new production technologies focused on improving quality and countering food waste.
Our vision
We believe in the added value of chilled potato products as a sustainable, easy and tasty component within a healthy diet.
Our mission
The specialist in and leading supplier of fresh chilled potato products.