ZON 100th anniversary

More than a thousand people attended Zon's anniversary event in Venlo

Dutch fresh fruit and vegetable supplier Veiling Zon has marked its centenary by inviting more than a thousand people to a special celebration event, where it looked forward to a new century of expansion under the name Royal Veiling Zon.

At the event, which took place on 18 June in Venlo, managing director Michiel van Ginkel confirmed the company had been granted use of the Royal title by the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander, an honour traditionally bestowed on companies reaching the 100-year milestone.

The anniversary itself was officially marked with a special countdown to midnight on 19 June.

Zon chairman Sjraar Hoeijmakers commented: “Receiving the Royal designation is an important and festive occasion for all Zon growers and employees, and gives an extra dimension to our 100th anniversary celebration this year.”

ZON, which has its headquarters in Venlo, achieved a turnover of €342m in 2014.

Additional reporting by Michael Schotten.