Global business requires careful risk management
Family business De Heus grows into a multinational animal feed company in four generations.
De Heus produces a complete range of compound feeds, premixes, concentrates, and specialty feeds for chickens, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and fish. The family business has been led by the fourth generation for quite some time and has experienced significant international expansion in recent decades. What are De Heus' ambitions? What challenges lie ahead? And what does risk management entail for a multinational that combines global ambitions, Dutch pragmatism, and social responsibility? A conversation with Max van der Kwaak and Harald van Hoorn.
Originally from Barneveld, De Heus was founded in 1911. 'Under the leadership of Henk de Heus—the third generation—the family business evolved from a regional flour and grain trade in the Veluwe into a nationwide specialist in animal feed,' says CFO Max van der Kwaak. 'At the beginning of this century, the first acquisitions outside the Netherlands followed. In 2007, brothers Co and Koen de Heus were appointed as CEOs. Under their leadership, international expansion accelerated significantly.
100 animal feed factories in 22 countries
De Heus has grown into an impressive multinational. Group Director Legal Harald van Hoorn illustrates this with some key facts and figures: "Worldwide, we now operate more than 100 animal feed factories across 22 countries. In total, we have 10,000 employees. Our products are supplied to customers in over 75 different countries across four continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America."
"Food production must double to feed approximately 9.8 billion people worldwide by 2050. This calls for greater efficiency and sustainability throughout the entire food chain."
A strong sense of social responsibility
Van Hoorn emphasizes that, as a global player, De Heus has a strong social drive and points to the global food challenge. "The world’s population is growing rapidly. Food production must double to feed approximately 9.8 billion people by 2050. This calls for greater efficiency and sustainability throughout the entire food chain. It is our ambition to contribute to better access to safe and healthy food for the growing global population as part of that chain. As a supplier of animal feed, we aim to support our customers—the producers of dairy, eggs, and meat—in producing sustainably and responsibly. We do this by providing high-quality feed and expert advice, built on years of knowledge and experience. In addition, we collaborate with other supply chain partners to strengthen and secure production chains, always keeping climate, environmental concerns, and animal welfare at the forefront of our efforts."
Strengthening production chains
According to Van der Kwaak, De Heus takes responsibility when there are missing or underdeveloped links in production chains. "Where necessary, we encourage companies within the chain to develop and strengthen themselves in these key areas. In some cases, we choose to invest in a specific link in the chain if no suitable partner is available to collaborate with. By working closely with our customers and partners, we contribute to building strong, future-proof production chains that help address the global food challenge."
"Together with our supply chain partners, we build strong and secure production chains—always keeping climate, environmental concerns, and animal welfare in mind."
The power of a family business
According to Van der Kwaak and Van Hoorn, the employees are what make De Heus truly special. "Our people are entrepreneurial, practical, and down-to-earth—highly engaged and customer-focused. Together, we see opportunities and challenges rather than problems. This mindset reflects the strength of a family business. We collectively strive for continuity, responsible growth, and long-term relationships with customers, partners, and suppliers. This shared commitment has made us one of the most successful companies in our industry. The De Heus family plays a crucial role in fostering and safeguarding this culture, ensuring its continued development. Our goal is to pass on a strong, healthy, and sustainability-driven company to the next generation.
Credit management
Like many other internationally operating companies, De Heus navigates an unpredictable world. "Global tensions are rising," says Van der Kwaak. "We cannot influence them, but we can certainly feel their impact. Another significant risk for a global animal feed manufacturer is the outbreak of animal diseases. Additionally, the animal feed market faces a complex dynamic between purchasing and selling prices. Raw material prices are determined well in advance, while sales are based on daily market prices, which can fluctuate significantly. This directly affects our working capital and requires solid credit management."
"Through the WBN network, Meijers supports us from the Netherlands with our international insurance challenges worldwide. They serve as our single, reliable, and trusted point of contact."
Risk management and insurance
For certain risks, insurance provides a solution. "We always start by assessing what preventive measures can be taken," says Van Hoorn. "Next, we determine which risks we are willing or able to bear ourselves. Meijers manages our insurance policies, including product liability insurance, fire insurance, transport insurance, and coverage for our own vehicle fleet. Additionally, we have an international travel and accident insurance policy for employees who frequently travel abroad."
A trusted partner in international insurance challenges
The partnership with Meijers as a risk management and insurance partner began about fifteen years ago—a deliberate choice, according to Van Hoorn. "We see important similarities between our companies: customer focus, solution-oriented thinking, and a commitment to sustainable growth. Through the WBN network, Meijers supports us from the Netherlands with our international insurance challenges worldwide. They are our single, reliable, and trusted point of contact. The rapidly changing world around us presents numerous opportunities and challenges but also brings uncertainties and risks. We maintain an ongoing dialogue with Meijers about these issues. They proactively highlight relevant developments in risk management and insurance, keeping us sharp and risk-aware. Moreover, it is highly reassuring to know that all our insurance matters are in good hands."
"We maintain an ongoing dialogue with Meijers. They proactively address current developments in risk management and insurance, keeping us sharp and risk-aware."
Director Ton Stalenhoef (Meijers):
"A partnership we are proud of"
For about fifteen years, De Heus has chosen Meijers as its partner in risk management and insurance. Ton Stalenhoef, a member of the Meijers management team, describes the relationship as special, warm, and personal. "When you walk into the headquarters in Ede-Wageningen, you wouldn’t immediately feel like you’re visiting a multinational. De Heus has grown by staying grounded, pragmatic, and welcoming. This makes them a truly unique Dutch company operating on a global scale and one that we at Meijers are proud to be partnered with."