Belgium
Philippe Haspeslagh, Chairman of the Board, and Bernard Haspeslagh, COO, Ardo
As children, Bernard and Philippe Haspeslagh were playmates on their grandmother’s farm in Belgium. But as adults, the cousins became rivals. Bernard ran a frozen vegetable company started by his father, and Philippe managed a herb producer. While at a family reunion in 2014, Bernard and Philippe realized they could accomplish more together, so the two companies merged and became Ardo.
Ardo has grown into the largest producer of frozen vegetables in Europe. With its headquarters in Ardooie, the group produces, packs and distributes vegetables, fruit and herbs from farm to freezer. Ardo has 21 sites in 9 countries and exports to 100 countries across the world. Philippe says the company’s success shows how joining forces can turn an entrepreneurial family into a global production powerhouse. Bernard and Philippe hope the next generation will continue to preserve the family business.
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