Matthijs is a family business in heart and soul. It started in a private home and grew into a well-known confectionery factory. Over the years, Matthijs has enjoyed many highs, but naturally also experienced a number of lows. It all started in 1920...

In 1920, Walther Matthijs - then newly wed - established his own business from his home with no more than a stove and a large saucepan in the kitchen. Lacking in funds, but with passion in abundance, he started experimenting. He learnt much from his father, who was a confectioner by trade. After several attempts and false starts, he developed his own recipes. The total number of staff for administration, sales, packing and production consisted of one man, namely Walther Matthijs himself.

The rewards of hard work
His hard work quickly paid off and two years later his application for establishing a small baker’s confectionery was approved. The business experienced rapid growth thanks to product quality and the appropriate sales channels in the Netherlands and Belgium. Walther was compelled to relocate to a new, larger factory by the name of 'Matthijs Caramel-works'.

Dark days
However, Walther was also confronted with heavy losses when the Germans brought the factory to a halt during the Second World War, and when the entire factory was later destroyed by mortar fire. Walther fought back and went all out to establish a new factory. Walther, referred to as Grandpa Bollekes by his family, worked alongside his nine sons in the 'bollekes-factory'. Together they conquered the market with Matthijs liquorice, and the business continued to flourish.

Further expansion for Matthijs
Now - a good 90 years later - the business is run by the same family, but now we are using the most modern technology and producing far higher volumes. In total, about 134 different types of sweets are produced for clients throughout the whole of Europe. Walther Matthijs would be astounded!