Family business AsterX Dranken is the second largest in Antwerp and now also receives Flemish recognition (Kontich)
The Trends Gazelle Prizes were recently awarded. AsterX Dranken ranks first in Flanders in terms of ‘Small Companies’. The takeover of the Antwerp beverage company Gagelmans in particular resulted in significant growth and makes them the second largest catering player in Antwerp.
The steep growth of AsterX Drankenhandel also caught the attention of the judges of the Trends Gazellen. This company, which has its administrative headquarters at 4 Herman De Nayerstraat in Waarloos (Kontich), recently took over 300 catering establishments from Antwerp’s beverage trader Gagelmans after causing the blow.
However, this business did not deal in beverages. The Aster and Suzanne Devrieze family started in 1959 on the Eikenstraat in Reet (Rumst) with a seed and plant trade. The was formed by their children into a do-it-yourself business under the name AsterX.
By taking over other similar businesses until it was also taken over by the Hubo store chain just over ten years ago. At that time, the family had already started an import business for South African wines.
Switch to liquor trade
Seven years ago, AsterX officially became a liquor store with its first warehouse and store in Rumst. Later it moved to Bornem and a short time later it opened shops in Waarloos, Boom and Heist Op-den-Berg.
Entrepreneurship is clearly in the family’s blood. For example, after the takeover of Van Der Plaetsen in Oostmalle, the business also became active as a wholesaler. It supplies, among other things, milk of the Inza brand and ice cubes to small liquor stores, catering businesses and events.
last year, the hunger for takeovers at the family business had not been quenched. Arranging the matter for the manager Christophe Geeraerts, the takeover of the Antwerp beverage trader Gagelmans. “As a result, we gained 300 more catering establishments,” says Geeraerts. “We also became the second largest hospitality player in the city of Antwerp.”
family business
Nevertheless, AsterX still remains a family business. His wife Lies Devrieze takes care of the workforce, with the drinks group numbering almost fifty people. Haar Sander is responsible for the importation of the wines and also takes care of the marketing of Ruben Devrieze as manager responsible for the stores.
“We try to get at least 40 percent of the turnover from our stores,” says Ruben. “Especially during the corona crisis. Our turnover from the catering industry then fell to zero, conversations from the wholesale sector about half. Fortunately, our stores have remained open where we recorded an increase of about 20 percent.”
for the time being, the business managers do not plan a new acquisition. “We do get business calls from liquor merchants who want to leave their business,” says Christophe. “We are looking at it every chance but for now we will keep it as it is.” (JEF WIJCKMANS)