Once upon a time, there was a windmill…
How it all began
Our story begins in 1867, when the Borms family purchased the Vondelmolen in Lebbeke. We initially used this stone windmill by the Vondelbeek stream to extract vegetable oil from seeds and kernels. Just before the First World War, we expanded the site, and the mill became a storage facility.
Destruction and Reconstruction
After the First World War, our mill had completely burned down, and little remained of the business. We continued operations using borrowed carts and our two horses. Jozef Borms then decided to shift the business towards the wholesale of bakery ingredients—a significant milestone in our history.
In the 1920s, we began producing our own bakery goods, such as gingerbread, speculoos, and rusks. At that time, our company employed around 20 people and supplied local merchants.
The start of major growth
After the Second World War, our capacity increased, and by the late 1950s, we were producing gingerbread for wholesalers and supermarkets. Major modernization truly took off in the 1960s—a period marked by investments, acquisitions, and expansions.
Five generations of craftsmanship, beyond borders
More than a century and a half later, Vondelmolen remains a close-knit family business, with Jan Borms—the fifth generation of gingerbread bakers—at the helm. Although we are now a modern company operating internationally, our craftsmanship remains rock-solid. We have never compromised on the tradition, taste, or quality of our natural products.
It is no coincidence that Vondelmolen is now the largest gingerbread baker in Belgium and the only one recognized as a certified Belgian regional product. People all over the world are discovering our regional specialty; indeed, more than half of our total annual gingerbread production is destined for markets abroad, ranging from France to Japan.
Sustainable business, today and tomorrow
At Vondelmolen, we believe that delicious gingerbread and responsible business practices go hand in hand. Sustainability has been part of our DNA since the very beginning: we consciously choose solutions that take people, the environment, and the future into account. For instance, we limit our energy consumption through the use of solar panels, natural lighting, heat recovery systems, and smart waste sorting.
Our responsibility extends beyond just the environment. We also invest in safe and healthy working conditions, strong relationships with employees, suppliers, and local residents, and initiatives that support the community. Through efforts such as supporting food banks, organizing social activities, and championing equality, we continue to build a sustainable future every day — for everyone.
