• 1695
    Petrus De Kuyper and Anna Custers open a ‘cooperage’ inHorst, a village in the South of The Netherlands. They make and sell casks.
  • 1752
    Jan de Kuyper, third son of Petrus and Anna, makes a shift in the company’s activities to the production of gin with the purchase of a Schiedam distillery.
  • 1769
    Jan de Kuyper’s sons, Johannes and Pieter, succeed in taking over a large distillery in Rotterdam. A few acquisitions and extensions later they become the biggest distillers in the city.
  • 1825
    After many years of losses, Johannes and Cornelis Petrus decide to divide the business. The distilleries in Delfshaven go to Cornelis Petrus, whilst Johannes stays on at the Rotterdam distilleries. The business owned by Johannes (and his son Cornelis) forms the basis for the company today.
  • 1846-1860
    The second half of the 19th century shows a boom in trade. Foreign demand for Dutch spirits grows.
  • 1870
    The London company Matthew Clark & Sons becomes a very important customer. Clark does not only purchase De Kuyper’s products for the UK, but also develop a strong taste for Dutch gin. Around 1870, 85% of exports are destined for the UK and Canada.
  • 1910
    The De Kuyper company finally establishes itself in Schiedam on the site purchased back in 1893.
  • 1911
    The new distillery is brought into use. It is still in use today.
  • 1920
    Start of liqueur production. Over the course of the 1930’s De Kuyper produces nearly twenty varieties of liqueur, including apricot brandy, cherry brandy, triple sec and crème de menthe.
  • End of the 1920’s
    To ensure that the Kuyper’s brand retains a foothold in the USA, De Kuyper supplies alcohol-free gin and orange bitters. A reliable source has informed us that the taste left a lot to be desired.De Kuyper had always primarily focused on exports, however at the end of the 1920’s the company devises a strategy aimed at conquering the Dutch market. Travelling salesmen are employed and the first advertisements are published in newspapers and magazines.
  • 1932
    Persistent demand from Canada and North America leads to an agreement between De Kuyper and Meager Bros & Co for the production and sale of gin for the Canadian market. Henry De Kuyper takes charge of the Canadian distillery.
  • 1934
    De Kuyper enters into an agreement with National Distillers Products Corp. in New York regarding the sale of De Kuyper products and the joint establishment of a production unit in New Jersey. De Kuyper USA is born.
  • 1945 - 1955
    During the reconstruction the government decides that export has priority over production for domestic consumption, with the aim of bringing foreign currency into the country. For De Kuyper, this means an explosive increase in production.
  • 1950
    The advent of Dutch brandy. The 1950’s marked a struggle between The Netherlands and France over the product name ‘Dutch Cognac’. The Dutch government eventually yields to the pressure from France. Within a few years, new labels are issued and the name ‘Dutch brandy’ changes to Vieux. Dutch brandy becomes hugely popular in the Netherlands, partly thanks to the fact that the product goes very well with mixers. The labour shortage inspires De Kuyper to take on female staff as part of a trial. The trial proved to be a success, and the company has employed female staff ever since.
  • 1984
    De Kuyper takes the lead in the US liqueur market with the introduction of Peachtree.
  • 1995
    A Royal endorsement! To mark the company’s 300th anniversary in 1995, De Kuyper is granted the designation ‘Royal’ granted by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. Acquisition of Erven Warninks, famous for its advocaat.
  • 2007
    Opening of the De Kuyper Works! A visitor centre with a ultra-modern bar for workshops and an international centre expertise for cocktails and long drinks.
  • 2011
    Acquisition of Rutte distilleries Dordrecht
  • 2013
    Opening new distillery at Schiedam site
  • 2017
    Acquisition of Cherry Heering
  • 2022 October
    Sell of Avandis
  • 2023 August
    Acquisition Archers
  • 2024
    Innovation of our brand portfolio with De Kuyper Cocktail solutions. De Kuyper batched products for trade and our De Kuyper ready to serve products for consumers. Both in alcohol and non alcoholic variants.
  • 2025
    De Kuyper Royal Distillers is still a family business and the company has succeeded in making a global name for itself as a leading distiller of liqueurs and advocaat: 330 years of excellent quality from the heart of Schiedam!

More Than 325 Years of Craftsmanship, Innovation and Cocktail Expertise

The story of De Kuyper began in 1695 in the Netherlands. What started as a small family-owned distillery has grown into one of the world’s leading cocktail companies, trusted by bartenders, hospitality professionals and cocktail enthusiasts across the globe.

For more than three centuries, one thing has remained unchanged: our passion for creating exceptional spirits and liqueurs. Generation after generation, we have combined craftsmanship, curiosity and entrepreneurship to stay relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Today, that same spirit continues to drive us as we help shape the future of cocktails.

From Dutch Distillery to Global Cocktail Company

Our journey started with the production of spirits in the Netherlands, where our distilling expertise was built on carefully selected ingredients, natural botanicals and time-honoured techniques.

Over the centuries, De Kuyper expanded beyond its local roots and developed into an internationally recognised producer of premium liqueurs and cocktail ingredients. As cocktail culture spread around the world, we evolved alongside it, continuously innovating to meet the changing needs of bartenders, hospitality partners and consumers.

What began as a family distillery became a global business with a presence in more than 100 countries, while remaining proudly independent and family-owned.

A Legacy of Innovation

Throughout our history, innovation has been at the heart of everything we do.

From pioneering new liqueur flavours to developing products that help bartenders create exceptional cocktail experiences, we have continuously adapted to changing tastes, trends and consumer preferences.

Our commitment to innovation is driven by a simple belief: cocktails should inspire creativity, bring people together and create memorable moments.

By combining centuries of distilling heritage with a forward-looking mindset, we continue to develop products and solutions that support the growth of cocktail culture worldwide.

Growing With the Cocktail Category

As the global cocktail market continues to evolve, our role has evolved too.

Today, we are more than a producer of premium cocktail liqueurs. We are an active contributor to the growth of the global cocktail category.

Working closely with bartenders, hospitality professionals, retailers and distributors, we help create new cocktail occasions, inspire consumers and make great cocktails more accessible around the world.

Whether enjoyed in a world-class cocktail bar, a restaurant, at a festival or at home, cocktails have become an important part of how people celebrate, connect and create memories.

We are proud to play a role in making those moments possible.

Shaping the Future of Cocktails

Our history is not only about where we come from. It is about where we are going.

With more than 325 years of expertise in spirits, liqueurs and cocktail ingredients, we continue to invest in innovation, craftsmanship and sustainable growth.

Together with our partners, customers and consumers, we are building the next chapter of our story—one that is centred on the continued growth of cocktail culture around the world.

Because while our heritage defines us, our future inspires us.

Read more about: Who We Are
Read more about: Our Strategy