Founded in 1911 as a cocoa pressing plant on the banks of the Zaan River in the Netherlands, deZaan has spent more than 115 years setting the standards for cocoa ingredient excellence.
Over its long history, deZaan has evolved from a local manufacturer into a global leader, supplying premium cocoa powders, butters, and liquors to food and beverage manufacturers worldwide. Here are some key facts about deZaan:
1911, the year deZaan was founded in Koog aan de Zaan, the Netherlands
115 years of continuous cocoa processing since 1911
5 cocoa manufacturing and processing locations across the globe
50+ countries supplied with deZaan cocoa ingredients for food and beverage manufacturers
3 product categories: cocoa powders, cocoa butters and cocoa liquors (also known as cocoa mass)
Since 2021, deZaan is the cocoa ingredients brand of ofi (Olam Food Ingredients)
Founded in 1911 as N.V. Chocoladefabriek “De Zaan”, the company began as a small chocolate and confectionery factory in Zaandam, in the heart of the Dutch Zaan region. Within a few years, economic pressure pushed the founders to focus on cocoa ingredients.
Proven ability to keep cocoa processing running through wars, recessions, supply shocks and market volatility, reducing the risk of disruption for your brands.
deZaan demonstrates its commitment to quality and sustainability through several key credentials. The company has achieved 100% traceability of directly sourced cocoa, ensuring transparency from farm to finished ingredient. All organic and sustainable cocoa ingredients are carefully traced and managed through the AtSource sustainability management system, which provides customers with full visibility across the supply chain. deZaan is a member of the European Cocoa Association and offers a range of certifications and sustainability programs, which are available upon request.
5 cocoa ingredient manufacturing locations across Europe and Asia, with integrated quality systems and food safety certifications (FSSC 22000, ISO, customer‑specific audits).
Dedicated cocoa laboratories for analytical testing, sensory evaluation and color measurement, ensuring batch‑to‑batch consistency.
Cocoa Compass ambition across ofi’s cocoa business, with targets on farmer livelihoods, child labor remediation and climate impact.
Farm‑level data collection and GPS mapping through OFIS in multiple origins, enabling traceability to farmer group or farm for selected supply chains.
deZaan cocoa manuals and technical publications widely cited in the cocoa and chocolate industry as reference works on processing, color and flavor.
Long‑term supply relationships with leading global food and beverage manufacturers across bakery, confectionery, ice cream, beverages and cereals.
Over the coming decade, deZaan will build on its 115‑year heritage not by standing still, but by deepening its commitments to sustainable cocoa, expanding its global manufacturing network and accelerating innovation in partnership with manufacturers.
Scaling sustainable, traceable cocoa
deZaan, as part of ofi, will continue to invest in programs that make cocoa farming more sustainable and resilient, with a focus on traceability, forest protection and improved farmer incomes in key origins.
Expanding global manufacturing reach
The expansion into Indonesia and ongoing optimization of plants in Europe and Asia are designed to give manufacturers more local options, shorter lead times and more resilient supply chains.
Innovating with and for manufacturers
deZaan will keep developing new cocoa powders, butters and liquors – from organic and clean‑label options to extreme color and flavor profiles – alongside application concepts built in our Customer Solution Centers.
For procurement and R&D teams, these commitments are supported by deZaan annual sustainability reporting and the documented track record on past cocoa-sector targets, traceability programs and farmer livelihood work. That gives long-term sourcing decisions a foundation in evidence, with a cocoa ingredient partner that continues to evolve alongside your portfolio.
Whether you are reviewing your cocoa ingredient strategy, consolidating suppliers or looking for a technically capable partner for new product development, deZaan 115 years of cocoa expertise and global manufacturing footprint are at your disposal.
Here's what you need to know about working with deZaan.
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