Rotterdam Harbour and Meeder
In the years 1890 –1920, Rotterdam Harbour was a major transhipment port for the supply of iron ore and coal from the Ruhr Area. When crude oil arrived (Pernis), it heralded a revolution. Machines and engines transformed the slow, small steamboats into fast-moving pounding barges. Rotterdam Harbour rapidly became too small. By dredging out shipping lanes and installing new harbour arms, Rotterdam put itself on the international map once and for all. As the size and number of vessels grew, so did the number of persons aboard needing to be fed. The faster these vessels travelled, the more fresh produce could be put on the menu. And that stimulated the market gardeners, producers and auctioneers to bring supply and demand into better alignment.

WW II and rebuilding
The Second World War left a bomb-devastated city in its wake; 40% of Rotterdam Harbour was destroyed. The Meeder business was able to keep its head above water during those years thanks to excellent relationships with suppliers and customers. The rebuilding was cautious, but promising. Supply and demand rose, in step with the growing harbour activities. 

The 1950’s: expansion
Crop breeding and artificial fertilizer made Dutch fruit and vegetables into an unprecedented export success. Because of the increasing demand for potatoes, fruit and vegetables, a much greater stock of these products was necessary. Moreover, the varied assortment required different storage conditions. In the 1950’s Meeder opened what was then a hypermodern cold-storage facility in Rijsoord and a new office building at Coolhaven in Rotterdam.

The 1960’s: second office in Antwerp
Riding on the wake of the economic revival, Meeder even opened a second office in Antwerp in the sixties. At the time, many of Meeder’s Rotterdam-based customers (ship chandlers) also had a sub-office or branch in Antwerp.
The Antwerp office was opened for the purchase of Belgian products, to serve the Antwerp market more quickly.

The 1980’s: a reversal of fortunes
Business was good and Meeder had built up a universally respected reputation. 
In the mid eighties, however, a change occurred that made serious cost-cutting essential.  
Meeder had to economise, at the same time as investing in automation processes and logistical optimisation. But thanks to dedicated efforts, Meeder proved equal to this task.

In spite of the poor economic climate, the company moved in 1980 to brand new premises at the Groothandelsmarkt in Rotterdam. This simplified the local distribution processes, as nearly all of the customers at that time were located close to the Groothandelsmarkt.

The 1990’s: on the up
Things started getting better again from 1993 onwards. The focus on supplying the international cruise industry proved to be the real decisive breakthrough for Meeder.

Supplying to cruise ships was an inspired decision. The menus served on board regularly consisted of exclusive dishes, prepared with the best ingredients. Meeder refined its network of suppliers, so that it could better fulfil the often rather exotic requests. Elderberry blossom, for example, to give a touch of class to a cocktail; or the supply of hundreds of mini-pears. It was these kind of details that Meeder was happy to provide for customers.

Now and the near future
The focus of our purchasing has become wider and more varied as a result of the growing internationalisation. Tokyo and New York are closer to each other than they were 10 years ago. We are therefore able to link up with all parties quicker and more efficiently. Process optimisation is a must, meaning that we will make even greater use of container and airfreight transport. In addition, the cruise market is flourishing. To better supply this growing customer group, we have moved to a new facility in order to expand our storage capacity. But at our core, we remain the same Meeder: Open-minded, pragmatic, flexible, with a wealth of know-how and personal commitment. And quality-consciousness, just as you have come to expect from us.