In 1986, Willy and Jenny De Vloo – Demonie took over the family farm from their parents. Their career began with dairy cattle, pullet rearing, and arable farming. In 1993, they sold their livestock and took a new step by building a barn for 30,000 laying hens. Not long after, they added two more barns, each housing 35,000 hens, using the conventional battery cage system. With the ban of this system in 2012, they transitioned to the small aviary system. The old barns were replaced by two modern buildings, each accommodating 160,000 laying hens.
Stronger Together
Over the years, Jens and Lynn gradually took the helm, but they still rely on the expertise of their parents. Their complementary skills make for a strong and efficient team, this forms the foundation of their personal and professional success and growth.
Unique Characteristics
The company is a small-scale, family-run business where personal contact is key. Jens oversees purchasing and sales, while Lynn handles administration and HR. Thanks to short communication lines, they can adapt quickly and make adjustments where necessary.
Relocation Plans
In December 2021, an outbreak of avian influenza was detected among their laying hens. This led to a mandatory shutdown of the packing station by the FASFC for seven weeks. Although customers were understanding, the importance of an emergency plan became painfully clear. Since both the packing station and barns were located on the same site, a short-term Plan B was not feasible.
Due to limited space and the risks of future health issues, they decided not to invest further in the current location. In 2024, they were given the opportunity to purchase a warehouse on a nearby industrial estate. The move and commissioning are scheduled for the first half of 2026.
Growth and Milestones
Since the transition in 2012, they launched their own egg grading and packing station. Initially, only eggs from their own production were sorted and sold to egg traders. Since then, the customer base has expanded to include foodservice wholesalers, retailers, and customers seeking free-range, barn, and organic eggs.
