The history of HANOS

For more than 50 years, HANOS has strived to be the best partner for you. With all the changes that a period of more than 50 years brings, that requires flexibility and adaptability. We would like to take you through the developments of more than half a century.

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A culinary start in 1975

The pioneering spirit of HANOS: a tasty revolution in the Dutch culinary world

In the early years of HANOS, the culinary world in the Netherlands was still small. Every village had a church, a café and a Chinese takeaway, but usually not much more. In 1975, HANOS opened its first wholesale store in Apeldoorn. Despite these culinary limitations, a development began here that would grow into a diverse and refined offering.

During this period, HANOS’ services consisted largely of reliable delivery, being available for specific questions and a focus on the highest quality, specifically for the hospitality industry. The quality found in supermarkets was never to match the products, advice and service of HANOS.

The revolutionary 1980s

The rise of HANOS and the Nouvelle Cuisine

During this period, HANOS developed rapidly under the influence of the rise of nouvelle cuisine. A large number of chefs set themselves apart from the simpler bistros by striving for top quality and preparation methods of the highest level. In 1980, HANOS also opened its second branch in Zwolle. At this time, HANOS essentially acted as a supplier to chefs, who came to HANOS for the products they needed in their kitchens. These always had to be available, and if they were not, an order was placed to find them at specialised markets. This marked a time in which the Netherlands was cautiously coming of age in genuine culinary experiences, driven by a number of headstrong pioneers.

De jaren '90 uit de geschiedenis van HANOS

Full speed through the 1990s

Expanding services and growing into new regions

In 1993, Van Gestel grootkeukentechniek joined HANOS as its first partner, extending HANOS’ services to kitchen equipment so that it could also support entrepreneurs in this area. The following year, in 1994, HANOS opened its branch in Nijmegen, followed by the opening of HANOS Venlo in the south of the country. HANOS’ growth accelerated in 1995 with the opening of the wholesale store in Amsterdam, making HANOS a national player. In 1996, HANOS expanded further with the opening of HANOS Valkenburg, continuing the company’s growth.

For HANOS, this was a period of innovation and further development. Demand for surprising and more exotic products grew, resulting in an expansion of the range. In addition, knowledge of how to use these products became increasingly important in order to surprise and inspire entrepreneurs.

The noughties at HANOS

Leading culinary innovation in the first decades of the 21st century.

The noughties were an era of culinary abundance, with the internet and social media spreading wonderful culinary combinations around the world. In the Netherlands and Belgium, trends such as sushi, dim sum and food trucks were quickly embraced by entrepreneurs and guests alike.

At the same time, a movement towards local and sustainable consumption emerged, with growing appreciation for slow food and local producers. This development created challenges for HANOS: the company not only had to keep up with international flavours and trends, but also respond to the growing demand for unique, local products.

To meet these challenges, HANOS expanded its team of culinary advisers with experts who have in-depth knowledge of the region, suppliers and the hospitality industry. This expansion coincided with the growth of HANOS itself: in 2000 HANOS Doetinchem opened its doors, while in 2001 Kaja Interieurs joined as a partner to support HANOS customers with furnishing and design. At the same time HANOS Groningen opened its doors, followed by HANOS Haarlem in 2002.

HANOS’ expansion continued in 2004 with the opening of HANOS Wommelgem, the company’s first international branch, in Belgium. In the same year, HANOS Heerenveen also opened its doors as the company’s eleventh branch.

2005 brought further expansion with the opening of HANOS Texel and HANOS Heerlen. HANOS Groningen followed with a reopening in 2006, while HANOS Eindhoven made its debut in 2008.

In 2009, the second HANOS wholesale store in Belgium opened its doors, this time in Hasselt, alongside the existing branch in Antwerp. At the same time, the wholesaler ISPC was acquired.

In 2010, HANOS entered into partnerships with fresh fish trader Jan van As and wine importer Fourcroy, further broadening the offering for HANOS customers.

The here and now at HANOS

Growing together: the role of HANOS in sustainable renewal within the culinary sector

As a hospitality wholesaler, the role of HANOS has evolved. As well as being a supplier, HANOS is a partner in discovering new techniques, concepts and trends. Every day, HANOS’ specialists are ready to support customers in this.

In 2012, HANOS took an important step towards sustainability by installing solar panels on its delivery vans, resulting in significantly lower emissions. Sustainability and CSR became integral parts of the company, and HANOS was also involved in founding ‘Ik KOOK Bewust’.

The following year, in 2013, the collaborations with meat supplier Van der Zee and care partner Distrivers developed into full partnerships.

In 2014, Studio Senses opened its doors in Zwolle, while HANOS extended its sustainability efforts to its first lorries. The following year, 2015, saw the launch of HANOS Den Haag-Delft with a second Studio Senses and a partnership with Ebo van den Bor, which further strengthened the presence and collaboration of HANOS.

2016 brought important developments, including the launch of the new HANOS website and FoodXperience, while HANOS Utrecht was given a new look to offer customers an even better experience. In 2019, HANOS further expanded its presence with the opening of HANOS Hengelo, followed by HANOS Maastricht in 2023 and the launch of the Belgian distribution centre in Willebroek. At the same time, HANOS Texel and HANOS-ISPC Utrecht-Nieuwegein were renovated, as HANOS continued its commitment to innovation and sustainability.