Company
history
Building tea knowledge and skills on strong traditions since 1819
1819
In 1819, an enterprising young Dutchman, Jan van Rees, started a tea company in the Netherlands.
By the mid-1800s, Van Rees had built a loyal network of customers in Holland and Germany. Salesmen travelled by horse and cart – and later by bicycle – delivering orders with a minimum of 5 kilograms in total, packed in portions of 100 grams, 250 grams or more.
The company’s first century was shaped by the renowned Dutch spirit: hard work, a natural talent for trade, and a keen eye for creating new opportunities. These qualities laid the foundation for a business that would grow far beyond its origins.
1870
At the time, orders had a minimum total of 5 kilograms, with delivery in packets of 100 grams, 250 grams, or larger.
1945
Blending as added value
In 1945, as the Netherlands sought to rebuild after the second World War, the central bank encouraged exports that could earn US Dollars. Van Rees embraced this opportunity, re-exporting tea in growing volumes to USD-buyers, mainly in the United States. This laid the foundation for tea blending in the Netherlands.
1950
Extending our network
By the 1950s, it had become clear that serving packers directly from origin was essential. Alongside its Rotterdam operations, Van Rees opened offices in Indonesia and London, strengthening its global network.
Tea tasting trough time
Tea appeals to all the senses, and every market has its own preferences for flavour, aroma, strength, colour, and leaf style. Tasting and grading are vital for producers, traders, and buyers alike, as they lead to conclusions about quality and value. For Van Rees, understanding these nuances has always been essential – ensuring that what we sell is the right tea for every customer.
2019
Quality recognised, heritage continued: Royal Van Rees
In 2019, Van Rees Group celebrated its 200th anniversary and was awarded the honorary title “Royal” by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. The milestone was marked on 5 July with a celebratory ceremony at the headquarters. It was led by the King’s Commissioner for Zuid-Holland and attended by the Mayor of Rotterdam and many colleagues, business partners, and well-wishers from around the world.
Changing ownership
In the mid-1960s, Van Rees became part of the N.V. Deli Maatschappij Group. The company remained under this ownership for over four decades, until mid-2010, when it was acquired by Acomo N.V., a Dutch trading group specialised in sourcing and supplying organic and conventional food commodities.
Bringing our skills and knowledge into the 21st century
Over more than two centuries, we have built our knowledge and skills on the experiences of many generations of tea traders. This expertise has grown not only geographically, with offices across the world, but also in scope, expanding our role within the supply chains of tea and other botanical ingredients. Today we are ready to support you with the same dedication that has guided us since 1819.
Get in touch to find out how we can help.
