IN SHORT
Sonac Burgum celebrates its centenary
Sonac Burgum recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The site opened in 1926 as the Netherlands' first processor of animal by-products and has since grown into a major regional employer, operating nine production lines with an annual processing capacity of 700,000 tonnes. Among the guests at the centenary celebrations were King's Commissioner Arno Brok and Mayor Kanter Breuker.
The celebrations included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, marking a century of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and collaboration. According to Richard Dijkstra, Site Director of Sonac Burgum, the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but also to look ahead to a future in which innovation and sustainability remain central.
Flokstra celebrates 50th anniversary
Flokstra recently celebrated its 50th anniversary during a festive gathering attended by family, employees, business partners and customers. Founded fifty years ago by the father of the current owners as an independent marine surveying company, the business has grown into an internationally operating enterprise. The anniversary celebrations reflected on the company's development over the past five decades and the contribution of successive generations of the family. Today, the third generation is at the helm. According to Flokstra, the craftsmanship, entrepreneurial spirit and maritime mindset that have defined the company since its foundation continue to underpin its success. The anniversary marks not only a celebration of the company's rich history, but also a look ahead to the next fifty years.
MVO at the VMT Food Law Event
On 9 June, MVO attended the annual VMT Food Law Event, which focused on the latest developments in food legislation. The event brought together professionals from across the food industry to discuss new regulatory developments and their practical implications for businesses.
The programme covered a broad range of topics, including allergens, packaging legislation, novel foods and the management of contaminants in food products. A distinctive feature of the event was its combination of legal and practical expertise. Many sessions featured both representatives from government authorities or law firms and experts from industry, providing participants with insights into both the regulatory framework and its practical application.
The programme is developed by an advisory board of food law specialists. MVO is a member of this advisory board and contributes to shaping the content and direction of the event.
YOF visits AGROLAB Dr. Verwey
On 18 June, members of YOF (Young Oils & Fats) visited AGROLAB Dr. Verwey. Through a varied programme of presentations, quizzes and hands-on laboratory activities, participants gained valuable insight into the work of the MVO member company and the world of laboratory analysis.
YOF looks back with great appreciation on the warm hospitality of AGROLAB Dr. Verwey. With a mix of both new and familiar faces, the event was a great success and once again demonstrated the value of company visits in promoting knowledge sharing and strengthening connections across the industry.
MVO attends annual FEDIOL event
From 10 to 12 June, the annual FEDIOL meeting took place in Lisbon. Under the theme 'Enhancing Industry's Competitive Edge', representatives from the European oils and fats sector came together to discuss topics including sustainability, innovation, food safety and competitiveness.
The General Assembly, held on 11 June, looked back on FEDIOL's activities over the past year and discussed the key challenges facing the sector. During the meeting, Daniel Stregels was elected as FEDIOL's new Vice-President.
The FEDIOL symposium on the final day focused on the future of the European agri-food sector, food security and the bioeconomy. Alongside the conference programme, the event also provided valuable opportunities for networking with colleagues from across Europe. Several MVO colleagues attended the meeting.
'Kok in de Klas' proves a great success once again
The seventh edition of 'Kok in de Klas' took place on 2, 3 and 4 June, once again proving to be a great success. More than 3,300 pupils from over 140 classes took part in hands-on cooking lessons led by professional chefs. During the sessions, pupils (ages 9-12) discovered that cooking can be fun, educational and delicious. Working alongside professional chefs, the children prepared healthy dishes, explored new ingredients and developed practical cooking skills such as chopping, teamwork and tasting. The 2026 edition also received considerable media attention, including coverage on NOS Radio 1, helping the initiative reach not only thousands of schoolchildren but also a much wider audience. 'Kok in de Klas' is an initiative of the Food Education Platform (Voedseleducatie Platform – VEP), of which MVO is a partner. The programme demonstrates how hands-on learning can inspire children to develop a lasting interest in healthy food.
'Smaaklessen' wins the WUR Impact Award 2026
'Smaaklessen', the Netherlands' largest food education programme for primary schools, has been awarded the WUR Impact Award 2026. The programme was recognised for its significant contribution to improving children's knowledge of food, nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Developed by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in collaboration with a broad network of partners, 'Smaaklessen' helps children discover where food comes from, how it is produced and how healthy food choices can contribute to their wellbeing. Through practical classroom activities and interactive lessons, pupils are encouraged to explore food in an engaging and enjoyable way. The award recognises initiatives that successfully translate scientific knowledge into practical applications with tangible societal impact. 'Smaaklessen' has reached hundreds of thousands of children across the Netherlands and continues to play an important role in strengthening food education in primary schools. MVO is one of the partners of the Food Education Platform (Voedseleducatie Platform – VEP), which supports initiatives such as 'Smaaklessen' that encourage healthy and sustainable food choices from an early age.
BCI and Sunoil celebrate milestone
Over the past month, two MVO member companies celebrated important milestones. On 4 June, Sunoil marked its 20th anniversary, reflecting on two decades of entrepreneurship, growth and collaboration within the industry. A few days later, on 12 June, BCI celebrated its 10th anniversary. The event brought together customers, partners and other stakeholders to celebrate the company's development and its contribution to the sector over the past decade. MVO congratulates both companies on these important milestones and wishes them continued success in the years ahead.
