Our history
Proud mayonnaise makers from the Zaan region
Our story began when “Grandpa” — as he later became known — started his own business in 1929 without any hesitation, despite the economic crisis: De Zaanlandsche Oliehandel. From his own garden, he poured oil barrels into glass bottles and, together with his son Jan Jacob, delivered them to local grocers. When Teun — his second son — also joined the business, the foundation for a true family company was laid: Van Wijngaarden BV.
Van Wijngaarden wanted to create a distinctive product and based it on two important pillars that the mayonnaise must meet. First, the highest possible oil content, and second, a unique combination of mustard, vinegar, and seasoning that gives the mayonnaise a rich, creamy flavour with a characteristic fresh tang.
In 1959 we began making mayonnaise, born out of necessity in our own kitchen. Mayonnaise? Surely it could taste much better! The 80% oil content and the perfect mix of vinegar, mustard, and seasoning give our mayonnaise a unique character with a fresh tang. This authentic recipe still stands strong today and will definitely not be changed – it’s exactly what our customers have grown attached to. Changes in society called for changes in the product range. Ron van Wijngaarden had by then taken over from his father and uncle Teun, and under his leadership major developments took place.
The current director, Michel van Wijngaarden, is now the fourth generation in the family business. As a little boy, he walked with his father through the former factory in Zaandijk. An endless fascination with the production process was the result. Further automation and the introduction of computerized technology are still his showpieces in the factory that he and his father built on the industrial estate in Wormerveer. The very latest innovations, driven by advanced software, allow us to professionalize our entire production. Besides his passion for technology, he has worked hard with his team to position the “Zaanse” brand properly and professionally on the market. That professionalization is progressing rapidly. But despite all the innovations, we hold our memories of the past in high regard. This is reflected in the brand’s characteristic Zaanse house style and distinct packaging. In this way, you can always trust that we remain true to who we are: a family from the Zaan region that makes the most delicious mayonnaise in the Netherlands.
Because we want everyone to enjoy the full flavor of real mayonnaise, after expanding from the Zaan region into the rest of the Netherlands, we also began looking across the border. As a result, at the end of 2024 we joined forces with NGM International, a partner with whom we have worked closely for more than two decades. Both companies will continue to operate independently, but in the area of exporting Zaanse Mayonnaise and other Van Wijngaarden products, our collaboration will be further intensified and expanded.
In this new structure, Van Wijngaarden will continue to focus on the sales and support of the Zaanse brand in the Benelux. NGM International will exclusively offer Zaanse Mayonnaise in markets outside the Benelux.
Meer zien, weten, lezen?
- In het kader van “50 jaar Zaanstad” (2024) zijn diverse écht Zaanse ondernemers geïnterviewd. Bekijk hier het interview met Michel van Wijngaarden: https://youtu.be/8eb_AlyAVkY
- Over groeien door dicht bij jezelf te blijven en de liefde voor mayonaise – een uniek interview met Michel van Wijngaarden, een artikel van NRC. Klik hier.
- In 2024 waren wij voor het eerst te zien in een landelijke campagne: https://youtu.be/TKUfDOwZh84
- “Zaanse Mayonaise. De stille held op je bord.” – Lees hier de advertorial in VALK Magazine van juni 2025.
Our way of doing business
An authentic recipe,
a forward-thinking vision
We are so proud: of our history, our Zaanse Mayonnaise, but also of our business operations. We stay true to our authentic recipe, yet we aim far ahead when it comes to sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurship. The wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment is important to us. And we continue to search for rich flavors to truly – and responsibly – enjoy.
Loyal
Zaanse Mayonnaise has been the most consumed mayonnaise in our country for many years. Loyal fans deserve a loyal manufacturer. The recipe of the Zaanse has therefore not changed since the very first tubes rolled off the production line.
Authentic
Van Wijngaarden BV, as a family business from the well-known Zaan region, has a rich history with beautiful developments. A truly Zaanse enterprise, which we proudly share with our customers.
Sustainable
We take our impact on the world as a manufacturer extremely seriously. This is reflected in our modern factory, our waste policy, sustainable production, and responsible use of raw materials.
Innovative
We strongly believe in the importance of growth and development. We want to continue surprising our customers with tasty, new products and challenge ourselves to produce them more and more sustainably.
Responsible
The wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment is important to us. Zaanse Mayonnaise is free of added processing aids, and we continue to expand our assortment with vegan and low-sodium products.
Socially engaged
We train our own talent. This helps us maintain high standards for both our employees and our products. In addition, we make an important contribution to educating and inspiring young people to work at Van Wijngaarden. We have also committed ourselves to the FPTC Foundation: Food Process Technology Campus, a foundation from the Zaan region aimed at inspiring young people to become enthusiastic about manufacturing various products.
Zaanse Industry
You see and taste us everywhere
We may confidently call ourselves specialists in sauces. For large clients, such as snack bar chains, private labels, and dressing and meat producers, we create special house sauces. Naturally with the same love and dedication that we put into our own products. And you can taste that – in more and more places both at home and abroad.
Export
Zaanse Mayonnaise across the border
Our mayonnaise reaches far beyond the Zaan region and the Netherlands. From our neighboring countries, the Spanish coasts, all the way to Africa – you can also find Zaanse Mayonnaise on foreign shelves, in kitchens, and in restaurants. For winter migrants, expats, holidaymakers, or true fans who simply cannot do without their Zaanse Mayonnaise.
NGM International, our trading partner, is the exclusive distributor of Zaanse Mayonnaise in markets outside the Benelux. NGM presents Van Wijngaarden products at various international trade fairs (contact: info@ngm-international.com)
Retail
From the factory to the kitchen table
Zaanse Mayonnaise has been a supermarket staple for decades. The relationship between Zaanse Mayonnaise and retail goes back so far that, in the early days, the tubes were literally delivered by bicycle to various local corner shops. That relationship has evolved over time: retail grew bigger, and the quality of our products increased alongside it, allowing us to gain a national presence on supermarket shelves. And that is just as well, because it means everyone in the Netherlands can easily bring their favourite mayonnaise into their home. We continue to expand our range with new products and packaging, suitable for every moment and every occasion.
More Zaanse products on your shelves?
Please contact: info@vanwijngaardenbv.nl stating: Retail
Question, complaint, or comment?
Contact form
Do you have a question, complaint, or comment about one of our products? Please contact our quality department using the contact form below.
If you prefer to contact us by phone, we are available during office hours from 09:00 to 17:00 at +31 (0)75 647 6060. If you have a complaint about a purchased product, we kindly ask you to keep the product for inspection.