A rich history, built on more than 160 years of craftsmanship
Royal Smilde specialises in the development and production of high-quality solutions with margarines, oils, fats, salads, sauces and bakery products. These products find their way to the food industry, retail and foodservice markets in more than 50 countries.
Discover our history
More than 160 years of craftsmanship
Royal Smilde has a rich history. In 1863, Arend Egberts Smilde started his business as a livestock trader, butcher and merchant. Under the leadership of the generations that followed, the family business grew into a leading player in the international food industry.
We would like to take you back in time through the Royal Smilde Timeline, illustrated with a selection of unique archive photographs.
1863-1890
Arend Egberts Smilde was ahead of his time. In 1863, the livestock trader, butcher and merchant laid the foundations for what would become an innovative international family business. Growth came quickly. By 1890, meat was already being exported, mainly to the United Kingdom.
1898-1902
Time for expansion. In 1898, brothers Sybren, Jan and Roelof Smilde founded Gebr. Smilde, with locations in Heerenveen and Harlingen. The company also expanded its product portfolio. The trademark Natura, used for packaged pure beef fat, was officially registered.
1914-1955
Even during the war years, the family business remained active. Gebr. Smilde continued to operate despite economic uncertainty and challenging market conditions. After the Second World War, rendered fats became increasingly popular. This contributed to significant growth, resulting in an organisation with 700 employees and an annual turnover of 170 million Dutch guilders. The company built a strong foundation with 11 production facilities, 6 depots and 3 international sales offices.
1963 – 1973
A major milestone: Smilde celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1963. During this period, the company acquired Benninga’s Friesche Margarinefabrieken in Leeuwarden, entering the margarine, oils and fats market. This acquisition laid the foundation for the companies Smilfood and Romi Smilfood.
1979 – 1988
Expansion continued with the acquisitions of Fano in Oosterwolde and Finefood in Emmen, adding fresh chilled products to the portfolio. In 1981, Pruvé in Edam joined the group, marking Royal Smilde’s entry into the bakery sector.
1988 – 2007
Time flies. During its 125th anniversary in 1988, Smilde received the prestigious Royal designation (Koninklijk). This period marked the beginning of a new phase focused on transformation and innovation. In 2007, Royal Smilde divested its Animal Fats business unit. Three years later, Koelvers and MOV were merged into Smilde Foods. Margarine, oils and fats production was concentrated in Heerenveen, while chilled products were centralised in Oosterwolde.
2010-2011
The restructuring of the business units was accompanied by a new corporate identity and logo. In 2011, Natura shifted its focus to the sale of fresh frying fats and the processing of used frying oil into sustainable biofuel. Smilde Bakery production was consolidated at the Edam production facility.
2013
Royal Smilde celebrated its 150th anniversary. In addition to the anniversary celebrations, a special exhibition about the company’s history was organised at the Willem van Haren Museum in Heerenveen.
2014
Royal Smilde welcomed another valuable addition to its portfolio: the well-known consumer brand HomeMade. The successful baking mix brand proved to be a perfect fit within Smilde Bakery.
2016
Smilde Foods acquired the salad activities of United Food Family. Van der Leur Banketspecialiteiten in Bolsward also joined the Royal Smilde family. That same year, Managing Director Ronald Prince and Mayor Tjeerd van der Zwan ceremonially drove the first pile for the new facility in Heerenveen, marking the start of the construction of a completely new tank storage park for Smilde Foods.
2017 – 2018
In 2017, oil storage capacity in Heerenveen was significantly expanded with 40 new stainless-steel tanks, officially opened on 1 July. In 2018, construction started on the new headquarters in Heerenveen. Arend Smilde had the honour of driving the first pile, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s history. On 19 September, the new headquarters was officially opened by the Smilde family and Mayor Tjeerd van der Zwan.
2019
Royal Smilde Futura was launched as Royal Smilde’s innovation platform. Located in Amsterdam, it serves as a place where new products are developed, tested and produced on a small scale, often in close collaboration with customers.
2021-2024
Royal Smilde never stands still. In food as well as innovation, the company continues to evolve and develop, working towards better food for everyone. 2025 With the acquisition of De Maro, Smilde Bakery further strengthened its position within the bakery sector. The assortment was expanded with trusted puff pastry and confectionery products.
2025
Met de overname van De Maroversterkt Smilde Bakery haar positiein de bakkerijsector. Het assortimentwordt uitgebreid met vertrouwdebladerdeeg- en banketproducten.
Ook onderdeel worden van onze geschiedenis?
Dat kan! Wie beweegt, blijft. En jij kunt daar een rol in spelen. Bij Royal Smilde zien we verandering niet als een bedreiging, maar als een kans. Draag er ook aan bij.
