More than 30 years of success
Since Dieter Groneweg founded Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH in 1978 this family-owned company has evolved into an internationally operating specialist for quality freeze-dried and air-dried raw materials. We supply our products to leading companies in the food industry. Our sister companies include CLUB Feinkost GmbH, founded in 1969 and whose GOUTESS brand is renowned for excellence in freeze-dried products for the retail trade; and Raoul Rousso GmbH, which specialises in importing delicatessen products.
The past years have seen Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH successfully build on its leading position as a supplier of products of the highest quality. An international network comprised of its own production sites and strategic partners operating in all of the world's most important growing areas ensures convenient and instant access to a wide range of products.
Here a brief history of the most important stages in the company's development:
2009
IFS Certification Version 5
Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH successfully obtains the highest level of IFS Certification version 5. In April, the freeze-drying unit, Gefriertrocknung Greven achieves the same certification.
2008
IFS Version 5 Certification of Gefriertrocknung Greven
Gefriertrocknung Greven the production unit of Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH receives IFS Level 5 certification in April.
Creation of two separate activity centres
From now on, FDP USA concentrates its activity on the air-dried business and Freeze-Dry Ingredients on the freeze-dried. FDI, which was sharing an office with FDP USA in Santa Rosa (CA), opens its own office in Chicago (IL) in the heart of the US food industry.
Sonja Groneweg takes the helm at the family business
In January Sonja Groneweg, daughter of Dieter and Ursula Groneweg, founders of the Group, takes over as head of all family companies.
2005
IFS Level 4 Certification also awarded to Gefriertrocknung Greven
In November, the freeze-drying facility of Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH (Gefriertrocknung Greven) underwent the audit for IFS Level 4 - higher level - and was successful. The switch from DIN ISO to IFS certification guarantees a Quality Assurance policy of the highest standards. Just at a time when food scandals are never far from the headlines, we are able to send our customers a strong signal of guaranteed product quality.
IFS Level 4 certification for Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH
Taking our quality commitments to the next level, Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH passes the audit for the IFS Level 4 - higher level certification and is now up to date with its quality management system. This guarantees maximum product safety for our clients.
Sonja Groneweg strengthens the Board
Having achieved independent success in her own business, Sonja Groneweg will support her parents in directing the activities of the Groneweg Group as from 1st January 2005. As Managing Director, she will be able to use her experience to decisively influence the path of Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH and will extend the family tradition into the third generation.
2004
IFS (International Food Standard) certification
Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH is awarded IFS certification (advanced level), thereby ensuring the highest quality standards.
Opening of a sales office in Russia
A new sales office in Moscow, the capital of Russia, strengthens presence in the promising markets of the CIS countries and improves local marketing opportunities
2003
Sales office in England re-opened
The sales office in Godalming, to the south east of London, undergoes restructuring and restaffing.
New sales office in France
Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH expands its international presence for the on-site support of its clients.
New headquarters in Greven
With some 360m² the Head Office building in Greven creates urgently required office space for our constantly growing team
Major expansion drive for the air-dried range
Stepping up its business activities in air-dried products enables Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH to offer to its customers an even wider product range and important synergies
2002
Freeze-drying certification for organically grown products
The freeze-drying division is also certified for the processing of organically-grown products, thus completing the production cycle at the Greven site.
2001
Foundation of Farm Direct Foods Qingdao, China
Farm Direct Foods Global reinforces its international presence by building its own reprocessing plant in the important trading port of Qingdao in eastern China.
Foundation of the Farm Direct Foods Global Group
Jointly with Surfrut and FDP USA Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH forms the globally active Farm Direct Foods Global Group, which merges important corporate activities. Further members include Farm Direct Foods Global Latin America in Chile and Mexico.
1999
Certification for organically grown foods
Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH keeps up with the trend and obtains certification under EMAS regulations for processing organically grown foods.
1996
Entry into the market for air-dried products in USA
Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH acquires its "Air-dried Vegetables" division from Gilroy, thereby launching in the important US air-dried products market.
1995
Construction of a new warehouse
A new warehouse increases storage capacity to around 8000m².
1991
Initial expansion of warehouse capacity
The raw materials and finished products warehouses are enlarged from 3000m² to approx. 6000m².
1988
Relocation of the corporate domicile to Greven/Westphalia (Germany)
The new domicile in Greven with its 20,000m² of space offers the room required for future company expansion; and the local infrastructure is ideal, with easy access to motorways and to Münster-Osnabrück International Airport (FMO).
1986
Incorporation of FDP USA Inc. in San Jose, California, USA
Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH is among the first to sell freeze-dried products in the USA.
1978
Foundation of Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH in Telgte/Westphalia (Germany)
It is at an early stage that Dieter Groneweg recognises the growing demand for quality freeze-dried products by industrial customers. Freeze-Dry Foods GmbH is to vouch for the availability of raw materials and products of a consistently high quality through global sourcing.