DKB: with focus, flavour and commitment towards 100 years

Seventy years ago, DKB Partner in Foodsolutions began by processing returned bread into breadcrumbs. Today, the company supplies a broad range of breadcrumb mixes, coating solutions, spice blends, rubs, cooking sauces and functional blends to customers in over 30 countries. This family-run business continues to grow, both in scale and in ambition.

To mark its 70th anniversary and future growth plans, we spoke with the three members of DKB’s leadership team: John Dokter (CEO), his son Bjorn Dokter (COO), and Erik van den Brink (CCO/CFO). Our conversation covered themes of family, leadership, the evolution of ECS Paneermeelindustrie and MasterMix, and what’s ahead for the business.

Passing the baton

This anniversary year also represents a symbolic transition: John is gradually handing over the reins to his son Bjorn and to Erik. John, who joined the company at the age of 22—then run by his father-in-law—explains: “Now it’s time for the next generation. I’ll remain involved in the background, but I’m giving space to Bjorn and Erik.”

At 26, Bjorn has been a shareholder for five years and sees his role as both a privilege and a responsibility: “I literally grew up in the company. I want to build for the future, together with and for our people.” That sense of ‘togetherness’ is more than just words. Erik adds: “We’re one big work family. People here are engaged, down to earth, and genuine. That really makes a difference.”

Most of the company’s 110+ employees live in the immediate area. “You see each other at the supermarket or on the weekends. It creates a strong bond,” says Bjorn. “You can feel that sense of connection in everything we do.”

Expanding and modernising

DKB has made significant investments in recent years. Its new breadcrumb production line, installed in 2024, is running at full capacity. But this is just the start. A major expansion is underway in Barneveld, where production of MasterMix is gradually moving from Terschuur.

“This move allows us to bring everything under one roof,” says Erik. “The construction is nearly complete. Now the real challenge begins: setting up the production processes, which involve a lot of variables and customer-specific recipes.”

The aim is full automation, allowing staff to shift into other roles within the company. “It’s not about replacement,” Bjorn points out, “it’s about repositioning—working smarter, more efficiently, and with an eye on long-term sustainability.”

A proactive global partner

What started with reusing returned bread has grown into a full portfolio of breadcrumb products (ECS Paneermeelindustrie) and coating solutions, spice blends, rubs, sauces and functional blends (MasterMix). DKB serves the meat, fish, poultry, snack, potato and vegetarian sectors in the Netherlands, across Europe and beyond.

John explains: “We provide everything the customer needs from a single organisation, tailor-made.”

And the ambitions continue to grow. “Where we used to innovate mainly in response to customer demand, we’re now taking a more proactive approach,” says Bjorn. “That’s why we’re expanding our R&D.”

This allows DKB to respond to developments such as Korean-inspired flavours and new product applications. “Always with a focus on taste, convenience, and variety.”

Sustainability in both product and process

For DKB, sustainability goes beyond trends. “We differentiate between product and process,” says Erik. “In our range, we’re actively reducing salt and sugar. In operations, we’re investing in energy-efficient solutions, including a low-NOx burner and a high-efficiency gas burner.”

The new Barneveld facility is being developed with sustainability in mind across the board.

Growth with people at the centre

Being named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year 2024’ in Barneveld was a recognition of years of dedication. Still, the leadership team remains grounded. “It’s not about getting rich. It’s about looking after your people,” John says. “That’s always been our mindset—from my father-in-law to now. When you treat your people well, you can also do right by your customers.”

Erik agrees: “Our strength lies in our commitment, flexibility, and willingness to think along. Both employees and customers know they can count on us. It’s part of who we are.”

Bjorn adds: “We do it together. And as long as you enjoy what you do, you’ll keep building.”

Looking ahead to 100

“Seventy years is a milestone, but we’ve got our sights set on a hundred,” says Bjorn. “By continuing to develop, invest, and collaborate—and most of all, by keeping the fun in what we do.”

John nods. “We’ve been through a lot over the years. Good times, hard times. And now success—which is something to celebrate. Going forward, I hope to spend more time with my wife working on charitable causes. Because when you receive, you should also give back. What ties this company together is the belief that you take care of the people around you.”

www.dkbfoodsolutions.com