At Van Drunen Farms, we know you want to be at the cutting edge of the food industry. To get there, you need innovative, nutritious, and great-tasting ingredients to create products that succeed in the marketplace. The problem is it can be challenging to find the complete, quality solutions you need, leaving you unsure where to turn next.
We think you should have a partner in innovation – a partner who knows what it takes to succeed and understands the challenges associated with finding real solutions. As farmers since 1856, and food processors for over 50 years, we know the ins and outs of producing the highest quality ingredients for brands of all kinds.
Your solution is closer than you think. Here’s how we work with you:
1. DISCOVER
We facilitate a conversation to meet you and learn about your goals. Our ingredient specialists know that every brand – every project – is different, and calls for a unique solution.
2. DEFINE
Our team investigates further, considering every goal you need to meet. Then we present a solution, working with you to innovate and refine the finished product until it fits. Our custom sampling process will give you the certainty you're looking for.
3. DELIVER
We deliver the finished product, be it a single ingredient or turnkey solution. But our service doesn’t end there. We continue to support you, making your success our priority.
So, get in touch with us today to set your progress into motion. And don't forget to check out our standard products to start learning how we can best serve you. Stop worrying about how you’re going to find the right ingredients, and start creating something amazing to propel your brand forward and win with your customers.
In 1856, the Van Drunen family immigrated from the Netherlands to South Holland, Illinois, near Chicago. Soon they began providing customers with potatoes, peas, beans, onions, cabbage, and carrots.
Today, the Van Drunen commitment to providing the highest quality ingredients to local, national and international food manufacturers is unchanged. Take a stroll down memory lane by viewing our timeline below.
1856 The Van Drunen family emigrates from the Netherlands to the United States in June. They begin their legacy as farmers, planting potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beans, peas, turnips and onions. Pictured: Arie and Anna, first Van Drunen immigrants |
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![]() | 1960 Ed and Robert Van Drunen begin planting chives, harvesting and selling them fresh to the Chicago market, or freezing them for use primarily by dairies in sour cream and cream cheese products. |
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1977 The farm is incorporated as R. J. Van Drunen & Sons, Inc. | ![]() | |
![]() | 1980 The first Van Drunen Farms processing plant is built in Momence, IL. The Farm Plant, still in operation today, houses both IQF and freeze-drying processes. | |
1985 The first eight freeze-drying chambers are purchased, and four start operating over the next year. Since that time, we have become one of the largest suppliers of freeze-dried ingredients in the United States. | ![]() | |
![]() | 1987 All operations move from South Holland, IL, to our current headquarters in Momence, IL. | |
1988 The first line of IQF Herbs is introduced at the Farm Plant. | ![]() | |
![]() | 1994 The first double cylinder drum-dryer is constructed and installed at the Tuthill Plant. Today, we have two processing facilities dedicated solely to the production of drum-dried ingredients. | |
1996 The organic farming certification process is completed, introducing the company into what would soon become a rapidly expanding market. | ![]() | |
![]() | 1996 Production of infused fruits begins at the Tuthill Plant. | |
1997 A fire-roasting line is added at the Farm Plant for the production of specialty IQF roasted vegetables. | ![]() | |
![]() | 2004 VDF Europe is established with a new freeze-drying plant in Serbia, a prime agricultural region. | |
2015 Two new, state of the art facilities begin operating in Crown Point, IN, and Momence, IL. | ![]() | |
![]() | 2017 We produce quality ingredients for our valued customers at five high capacity facilities in the Midwest and one in Serbia. Our commitment to growth and improvement continues in every area of our operation. |
At Van Drunen Farms, we believe corporate social responsibility is about committing to care for our people, our communities, our planet, and the health and well-being of all. By making this commitment, we can help ensure that future generations have the same opportunity to thrive as we enjoy.
Our commitment to care encompasses our approach to the following three areas of corporate social responsibility:
Please find a link below to download our inaugural corporate social responsibility report. As we continue to develop our corporate social responsibility program, we look forward to sharing more with you about our future activities and goals.
For more information about Van Drunen Farms’ corporate social responsibility efforts, please email socialresponsibility@vandrunen.com
As a global, growing, and vibrant food ingredient supplier to the world’s best companies, we are always seeking positive and talented employees to help our company reach the next level.
We know that quality begins with the people who work with our products. As part of our ongoing quality commitment, we invest heavily in the development our employees – throughout every step of their careers.
COVID-19 RESPONSE: The health and safety of our employees is a top priority. Daily wellness screening, mask wearing, social distancing and other preventative measures are practiced at all our facilities.
Come grow with us!
Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran
Our mission and values are important to us! If you align with our mission and demonstrate our values, apply for a career at Van Drunen Farms today. As our company grows, our open positions change often.
All candidates for employment at Van Drunen Farms must be able to:
Come gain vital, real-world experience with a Van Drunen Farms summer internship! Our program provides opportunities in: