Roger Dick: From Dicogel to Roger & Roger, a Frozen Vegetable and Chips Empire Worth 75 Million Euros
Roger Dick
Dicogel and Roger & Roger : well known in the deep-frozen vegetables and from chips. Based in Stadenin Western Flandersthey occupy the Belgian TOP 320 in the economic ranking with a total assets estimated at 74 906 000 €.
Dick family history
Michel Dicka major vegetable trader in the 1970s, together with Georges De Geest and André Talpe founded the Westfro. De Geest and Talpe came from the canning industry, working for La Corbeille and Conserven Talpe respectively. After André Talpe's untimely death and De Geest's departure, Michel Dick became the majority shareholder.
Succession and Expansion
The second generation, represented by Regina Dick-Dirk Verhelle and Rita Dicktook over the reins from Michel. Meanwhile, Rosa Dick continued the family farm. Roger DickFor his part, he followed a different path, becoming active in other frozen food companies. His marriage to Marie-Christine Lafaut formed a business link with his father-in-law, Henry Lafaut, creating the company Pasfrost. This collaboration did not last, however, and Roger Dick founded Dicogel. By buying out the shares of one of his sisters, he became a 50 % shareholder in Westfro.
Recent Developments
In 1999, Roger Dick launched the potato chip manufacturer Roger & Roger. More recently, in 2019, it acquired the Hungarian frozen food business of the group Greenyardheld by Hein Deprez. This acquisition came at a difficult time for Greenyard, which was plagued by a health crisis due to listeria contamination detected in their Hungarian factory.
Conclusion
The entrepreneurial journey of the Dick family, in particular by Roger, stands out for its diversification and resilience in the face of economic and health challenges. Their strong presence in the frozen food and potato chip industries testifies to their ability to adapt and develop continuously.
