The Netherlands is a relatively small country, but has many leading brands that are known worldwide.
Ranked as number one of well-known brands is Shell. This is a Dutch / British multinational that was founded in 1907 and is based in The Hague. Shell sells its fuel to around 140 countries and is therefore one of the largest companies in the world. In addition to oil, they also produce gas.
Heineken is a well-known beer brand that can be purchased worldwide in 192 countries and there are around 80,000 employees. In 2017 their brewing volume stood at more than 218 million hectolitres, which makes Heineken one of the largest breweries in the world! The Heineken family business was founded in 1864 and is a true Amsterdam brand. Unfortunately Heineken came in the news in 1983 in connection with the kidnapping of Freddy Heineken. He was the director of this brand at that time. Nowadays it is possible to visit the Heineken brewery in Amsterdam. The Heineken Experience is a museum in the former brewery on Stadhouderskade.
Spar Supermarket can be found in 48 countries, but is originally from the Netherlands. The head office is located in Amsterdam.
The first Spar Supermarket in the Netherlands was opened in 1932. The idea was to set up a chain for several retailers in several locations. There are currently around 550 stores in the Netherlands, mainly in villages, but you also see many Spar-Express stores along the way. Here you can both get your forgotten shopping and refuel.
Philips has its roots in Eindhoven. The entire city is central to this electronics group, but the head office is in Amsterdam. The factories are mainly located in countries in South America and Asia. The company was founded in 1891 by the Philips family. Did you know that Philips invented the cassette tape?
Our country is also well-known in fashion. For example, G-star, Denham and Scotch and Soda come from our small country. G-star has experienced great growth since its inception in 1989. For example, they have entered into partnerships with Max Verstappen and Pharrell Williams.
Among other things, these brands are promoted during Amsterdam Fashion Week. This year’s fashion week starts between 3 and 6 September.