GroupDC: A Family Business Rooted in Nature
GroupDC is a family business that began its journey back in 1966, founded by Herman De Ceuster. Today, the company is proudly led by the second generation, with Tom De Ceuster at the helm as CEO. What started as a young entrepreneur’s dream has blossomed into a multifaceted group, all driven by a deep love for nature and a commitment to sustainable solutions.
The Main Benefit: Sustainable Growth and Innovation
GroupDC’s story is packed with milestones and achievements that highlight its dedication to quality and sustainability. Here are some key facts:
- Founded in 1966 by Herman De Ceuster
- Second generation leadership with CEO Tom De Ceuster
- First in Belgium to offer professional quality products to hobby gardeners
- International presence with offices in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, USA, and more
- CO2-neutral certification achieved in 2020
- Production runs 100% on green energy
- Raw materials sourced from food industry waste streams
- Nearly Energy Neutral office building
- Strong focus on research through Scientia Terrae institute
From Soil Revitalization to Professional Plant Care
Herman De Ceuster’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked off with ‘De Ceuster Grondveredeling’, a company focused on revitalizing depleted soil for the horticultural sector. The goal? To bring life back to tired earth using environmentally friendly solutions. This passion quickly expanded into producing organic fertilizers and soil improvers under the brand DCM. Not just for professionals, DCM was a pioneer in bringing top-tier products to hobby gardeners, making quality accessible to all green thumbs. Over time, the company also branched out to serve sports fields, industrial sites, and public green spaces, all under the “Plant Care” division.
Diversification into Animal Care
In the 1990s, GroupDC didn’t just stick to plants—they branched out into animal care. The acquisition of Intraco, a distributor of premixes and concentrates for animal feed, marked the start of this new chapter. Soon after, the company launched its own production unit, Belcofeed, to ensure top-notch quality and flexibility tailored to local needs. Poultec, established in 2010, rounded out the offering by providing services and equipment for poultry farms. Together, these companies form the “Animal Care” division, showing how GroupDC adapts and grows with the market.
International Expansion Fueled by Innovation
GroupDC’s footprint isn’t just local—it’s global. Starting with DCM Netherlands in 1991, the company expanded to Germany, Austria, and the USA over the years. Acquisitions and joint ventures further strengthened its presence in France, Germany, Italy, and the USA. The research side of things got a boost in 2001 with the creation of Scientia Terrae, an independent research institute collaborating with universities worldwide. This institute drives innovation in biotechnological solutions, keeping GroupDC at the cutting edge. Plus, the group supports green biotech start-ups, fueling future growth and breakthroughs.
Impact on Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Commitment to a Greener Future
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at GroupDC—it’s woven into every aspect of the business. From sourcing raw materials from food industry waste streams to running production entirely on green energy, the company walks the talk. Their Nearly Energy Neutral office building and zero wastewater discharge policies show a serious commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Achieving CO2-neutral certification in 2020 was a proud moment, reflecting years of effort to reduce emissions and invest in climate protection projects. It’s clear that for GroupDC, caring for the planet is just as important as caring for plants and animals.
