About Ranson
All the best
Our story started 75 years ago in the hands of our grandfather, Lucien Ranson, an inquisitive baker who created and launched his own marzipan. Two generations and more than 300 employees later, we are still an independent family business with an insatiable appetite for the finest raw materials, ingredients, products and decorations.
During 75 years of Ranson, our focus has evolved from pure bakery wholesaler to both distributor and producer of products for Bakery, Chocolate, Catering, Ice Cream and the food industry. We always maintain a strong focus on added value in the form of quality and service.
From 1948 to today
Since 1948 we have grown from a small merchant in margarine for bakers to an international distributor and producer of ingredients and products for bakers, chocolatiers, the catering industry, ice cream manufacturers and the food industry.
The story begins...
Lucien Ranson, founder of Ranson Group, starts selling margarine to bakers.
“As a baker, I was looking for the perfect margarine for my recipes. It was so hard to find in 1948, so I decided to start distributing it myself”
Together with his wife, Monique Albers, he took the first steps towards what we have become.
Marzipan
Lucien Ranson began a journey to achieve his own marzipan recipe that would meet his exacting standards. A fact: this protected family recipe has not changed and is still prepared the same way by Ranson today!
Moving to Stasegem
Our own production grows, as does the range of other products we offer, so it is decided to have a separate location for each. The wholesale division moves into a larger warehouse in Stasegem.
2nd generation
In 1977, Lucien fell ill and the 2nd generation was forced to take over full management ahead of schedule. Philippe became the new Managing Director.
Grand opening Ranshop
With the launch of the Ranshop, Ranson continue to expand its range. From Harelbeke, our Ranshop ladies serve bakers with decorations, ornaments, shop fittings and small items.
Grand opening Venning
Whilst the company’s own production continues to grow, this is happening at various different locations. These are now all brought together in one new building which has the facilities to meet every necessary requirement.
Grand opening Ostend
To serve our customers on the coast quickly at busy times, Ranson opens an order collection centre in Ostend.
Moving Ranshop
The Ranshop is now bursting at the seams. The next step is for the shop to move to a larger building on Kortrijksesteenweg in Harelbeke and it has become a source of magical inspiration for our customers.
Founding of Ranson UK
In 2000, Ranson crosses national borders and commences a partnership with Bekaert & Dupont in London. Ranson UK is born.
Warehouse 4
Due to a desire to extend our product range, we expand our bulk storage and deep-freeze capacity. The number of loading docks were also increased.
Ranson Bru
To better serve our customers all over Belgium, Ranson Bru is opened in Brussels in 2003. Not only as a distribution centre, but also as a pick-up zone where our customers can quickly and easily collect their raw materials.
Acquisition Erens NV
The acquisition of Erens nv enables us to further strengthen our position as a distributor.
Extension Venning
Our production facility was equipped with a Democenter and a meeting room. The Democenter will provide space to inspire our customers with customised demonstrations in cooperation with our partners and experts in their fields.
Moving Ranson Bru
Our warehouse and pick-up centre in Brussels is moving to a location with more space. Goods can be delivered from here or collected by the customer.
3rd generation
Since 2000, Charlotte, Bruno and Michael Ranson respectively have joined the company. From 1/1/2007 Bruno will be the new Managing Director and the transition to the 3rd generation is in place.
Extension Ranshop
Our Ranshop in Harelbeke has been expanded and now offers more space for the growing range of beautiful decorations, trendy packaging, decoration advice, small materials, ...
Acquisition Poissonnier
Ranson continues to grow. In 2008, Poissonnier Bakkerij-Service BVBA joins the group.
Ranson Hoeselt
Our branch in Hoeselt moved into a brand new building with a warehouse, offices and its own Ranshop. This was necessary to be able to offer our customers from the region the good service we are well-known for.
Partnership Fructosad
In 2010 we further expand our close partnership with Fructosad in Poland. This ensures that Ranson Group now also retains control of the production of fruit.
Acquisition Van Reet
With the arrival of Van Reet, Ranson Group continues to grow.
Acquisition Comptoir Sucrier
As a producer and distributor of quality raw materials, Ranson acquires Comptoir Sucrier. This enables us to integrate all the necessary expertise and production relating to sugar into the Ranson Group.
Acquisition Cremelan
Ranson Group decides to expand its range to also supply ice-cream manufacturers. In 2015, the acquisition of Cremelan enables us to offer artisan and industrial ice cream manufacturers quality, service, professional advice and the finest products.
Acquisition In2Bake
In 2016, In2Bake joins the Ranson Group.
Founding Gourmet Logistique
In 2017, Gourmet Logistique is set up in France as a logistics partner for Rémy Cointreau.
70 years Ranson
After 70 years of Ranson Group, Ranson is given a new look. The company is now ready for the next 70 years: a future in which "All the best" is central.
New head office
Welcome to our new RANSON HQ. An entirely new site with a purpose built warehouse including an extended freezer and brand new offices. Equipped with solar panels and various other systems that take Ranson, our employees and customers to a greener and more sustainable future.
Acquisition Droessaert
Ranson Group acquires Droessaert on 1 January 2020. In this way, we can further improve the logistics network.
75 years of Ranson
2023 marks an important milestone in our company's history: our 75th anniversary.
With passion for creativity, for bakers, chocolatiers, ice cream makers, catering and the food industry, and of course for each other. That's what Ranson is all about.
A smile for each other for 75 years.
Ranson Brussels: new location, new concept
At our new location in Brussels, we not only implement the Cash and Carry concept, but also bring about optimisations, including a cross-docking system and the integration of a demo area.
Ranson in figures
75 years later, Ranson Group delivers from 7 branches to 3,500 professional customers in 32 countries worldwide. To achieve this, we have forged a close partnership with 300 suppliers who supply our raw materials and products from the finest sources in 34 countries. Our 27 representatives are on standby every day to provide Ranson customers with service and quality. That quality is delivered to your door daily by our 40 trucks.
"As a baker I was looking for the right margarine for my preparations. It was so difficult to find that in 1948 I decided to start the distribution of it myself. And so family business Ranson came into existence."
- Founder Lucien Ranson -
Our motivation
Ranson offers you the broadest range of brands, products and raw materials from our distribution and in-house production. We always maintain a strong focus on added value in the form of the finest quality and an excellent tailor-made service. And the price is always right.
Broadest range
With more than 35.000 products from our distribution and production network in 34 countries, Ranson supplies a wide range of products to the food industry, bakeries, chocolatiers, ice cream manufacturers and the catering industry. Are you looking for a specific product? Please ask us! If we do not have the unique item in our extensive range, we will find it for you.
Finest quality
As a producer, we know: whatever you do, the quality of your raw materials and products is essential. We submit our own production process to the same criteria on a daily basis and we also make that possible for our customers. Our quest for quality is thorough and global and we apply the strictest standards regarding food safety, traceability and so forth. So you can be sure that Ranson supplies products that perfectly match your required specifications.
Excellent service
Do you need a fast delivery? Are you looking for a tailor-made product? Would you like to collect your raw materials when it suits you best? Do you want suppliers and representatives who know your business inside out? Do you want professional contacts who can help you come up with possible solutions? Do you need inspiration, tips and information? Would you like to follow workshops and demonstrations? Right! That is precisely the type of excellent service that Ranson delivers.
The right price
The right products of the right quality for the right price: that's what we aim to achieve at Ranson. You can count on it: every day we work on coordinating demand and supply so that you never pay too much for what you are seeking.
Our future
After 75 years of Ranson, we are sharper than ever so that we can offer you even better added value. Quality and service have been at the forefront of our business for 75 years and that is what we aim to achieve every day. It is no coincidence that we always place "All the best" at the forefront of our future.
Growing together
We continue to expand and structure our range and are constantly looking for the best partners and employees to make your business a success. Continuing to grow sustainably with our customers: that's what we aim to do.
Knowledge centre
We do not simply concentrate on products, brands and raw materials of the very finest quality. We are increasing our focus on knowledge and expertise. We share our extensive product and sector knowledge with our customers in our Bakery, Chocolate, Catering and Ice Cream departments, as well as in Ranson Industries and our Ranshop. Our experienced and professional staff is ready to assist you daily with advice, inspiration, recipes, tips & tricks.
The finest sources
"From Origins to Originals" is our life motto at Ranson Industries. We are continually searching for the finest ingredients and the highest quality products with the best origins. Whether that takes us to Asia, Africa or America, only the best is good enough for your production unit and ours.