Company:
Van Drunen Farms
Company Website(link opens in new window)
Location(s):
300 West 6th Street
Momence,  IL
60954
Map Location(link opens in new window)
Phone:
(815) 472-3080
Industry:
Agriculture / Forestry / Fisheries
Size:
501-1,000

CREATE SOMETHING AMAZING

At Van Drunen Farms, we know you want to be at the cutting edge of the food industry. To get there, you need innovative, nutritious, and great-tasting ingredients to create products that succeed in the marketplace. The problem is it can be challenging to find the complete, quality solutions you need, leaving you unsure where to turn next.

We think you should have a partner in innovation – a partner who knows what it takes to succeed and understands the challenges associated with finding real solutions. As farmers since 1856, and food processors for over 50 years, we know the ins and outs of producing the highest quality ingredients for brands of all kinds.


Your solution is closer than you think. Here’s how we work with you:

1. DISCOVER
We facilitate a conversation to meet you and learn about your goals. Our ingredient specialists know that every brand – every project – is different, and calls for a unique solution.

2. DEFINE
Our team investigates further, considering every goal you need to meet. Then we present a solution, working with you to innovate and refine the finished product until it fits. Our custom sampling process will give you the certainty you're looking for.

3. DELIVER
We deliver the finished product, be it a single ingredient or turnkey solution. But our service doesn’t end there. We continue to support you, making your success our priority.

So, get in touch with us today to set your progress into motion. And don't forget to check out our standard products to start learning how we can best serve you. Stop worrying about how you’re going to find the right ingredients, and start creating something amazing to propel your brand forward and win with your customers.




HISTORY

In 1856, the Van Drunen family immigrated from the Netherlands to South Holland, Illinois, near Chicago. Soon they began providing customers with potatoes, peas, beans, onions, cabbage, and carrots.

Today, the Van Drunen commitment to providing the highest quality ingredients to local, national and international food manufacturers is unchanged. Take a stroll down memory lane by viewing our timeline below.


1856
The Van Drunen family emigrates from the Netherlands to the United States in June. They begin their legacy as farmers, planting potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beans, peas, turnips and onions.

Pictured: Arie and Anna, first Van Drunen immigrants		 1856
19601960
Ed and Robert Van Drunen begin planting chives, harvesting and selling them fresh to the Chicago market, or freezing them for use primarily by dairies in sour cream and cream cheese products.
1977
The farm is incorporated as R. J. Van Drunen & Sons, Inc. 		1977
19801980
The first Van Drunen Farms processing plant is built in Momence, IL. The Farm Plant, still in operation today, houses both IQF and freeze-drying processes.
1985
The first eight freeze-drying chambers are purchased, and four start operating over the next year. Since that time, we have become one of the largest suppliers of freeze-dried ingredients in the United States. 		1985
19871987
All operations move from South Holland, IL, to our current headquarters in Momence, IL.
1988
The first line of IQF Herbs is introduced at the Farm Plant. 		1988
19941994
The first double cylinder drum-dryer is constructed and installed at the Tuthill Plant. Today, we have two processing facilities dedicated solely to the production of drum-dried ingredients.
1996
The organic farming certification process is completed, introducing the company into what would soon become a rapidly expanding market. 		1996
1996a1996
Production of infused fruits begins at the Tuthill Plant.
1997
A fire-roasting line is added at the Farm Plant for the production of specialty IQF roasted vegetables. 		1997
20042004
VDF Europe is established with a new freeze-drying plant in Serbia, a prime agricultural region.
2015
Two new, state of the art facilities begin operating in Crown Point, IN, and Momence, IL. 		2015
20172017
We produce quality ingredients for our valued customers at five high capacity facilities in the Midwest and one in Serbia. Our commitment to growth and improvement continues in every area of our operation.



CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Committing to Care for People, the Planet, and Health and Well-Being

At Van Drunen Farms, we believe corporate social responsibility is about committing to care for our people, our communities, our planet, and the health and well-being of all. By making this commitment, we can help ensure that future generations have the same opportunity to thrive as we enjoy.

Our commitment to care encompasses our approach to the following three areas of corporate social responsibility:

  • Care for People: We care for people by helping our employees grow and develop in a safe working environment. We also demonstrate our care for people through involvement in our local communities.
  • Care for the Planet: We care for our planet by doing our best to improve the efficiency of our facilities, production processes and by implementing good agricultural practices.
  • Care for Health and Well-Being: We care for the public’s health and well-being by researching the efficacy of many of our ingredients, by committing to handling food products safely, and by partnering with trusted suppliers.

Our Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Please find a link below to download our inaugural corporate social responsibility report. As we continue to develop our corporate social responsibility program, we look forward to sharing more with you about our future activities and goals.

For more information about Van Drunen Farms’ corporate social responsibility efforts, please email socialresponsibility@vandrunen.com




CAREERS

Become an integral part of a mission-driven company committed to employee development and success.

As a global, growing, and vibrant food ingredient supplier to the world’s best companies, we are always seeking positive and talented employees to help our company reach the next level.

We know that quality begins with the people who work with our products. As part of our ongoing quality commitment, we invest heavily in the development our employees – throughout every step of their careers.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: The health and safety of our employees is a top priority. Daily wellness screening, mask wearing, social distancing and other preventative measures are practiced at all our facilities.

Come grow with us!

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Our mission and values are important to us! If you align with our mission and demonstrate our values, apply for a career at Van Drunen Farms today. As our company grows, our open positions change often.

All candidates for employment at Van Drunen Farms must be able to:

  • Pass a background check and drug screen
  • Provide proof, on the first day of work, of eligibility to work in the United States


Candidates for manufacturing and warehousing positions must be able to:
  • Lift 50 lbs. continuously
  • All applicants must adhere to taking the pre-employment tests to include a drug test, a physical, and a lift test to ensure the applicant meets the essential functions of the job.
  • Read and understand important job training (provided in English and Spanish)


INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Come gain vital, real-world experience with a Van Drunen Farms summer internship! Our program provides opportunities in:

  • Accounting/Finance
  • Agribusiness/Agronomy
  • Business
  • Customer Service
  • Engineering
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
  • Graphic Design/Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • IT
  • Manufacturing/Production
  • Operations
  • Microbiology/Chemistry Labs
  • Food Safety/Quality
*Our intern program is on pause due to COVID-19 but we hope to welcome interns back soon. Please continue to check our website for updates.