Mark and Marlou Verkleij
Vepo Cheese, Bodegraven
www.vepocheese.com
“You are a reliable, down-to-earth partner. Say what you do and do what you say—that’s Stolp+KAB.”
A traditional Dutch family business specializing in slicing, grating, and packaging cheese
Vepo Cheese is a family business founded in 1920, specializing in cheese packaging and processing. They source their own raw materials, package, and market the products. Their diverse client base includes retail, food service, and industrial processors. From their headquarters in Bodegraven, they supply 22 countries. Vepo Cheese is extremely proud of their traditional Dutch product, which even accompanied Wubbo Ockels on the Challenger space shuttle in 1986!
For more information: www.vepocheese.com
The challenge
Mark Verkleij and Marlou Bink-Verkleij, brother and sister, lead Vepo Cheese. The relationship between Stolp+KAB and this family business goes back decades. Grandfather Verkleij first approached our Oudewater office over forty years ago for bookkeeping services for Kaashandel Verkleij. The business then passed to their father, and in 2009, Vepo Cheese was officially established. We support the company with annual reports and provide advisory services across multiple areas. We’ve built a long history with this proud family organization, which operates locations in Bodegraven and Oudewater. Meanwhile, the cheese trade still continues alongside Vepo Cheese.
Our approach
Stolp+KAB prepares the annual report and management letter, supports restructuring and financing issues, attends shareholders' meetings, and advises on tax matters in collaboration with their own tax advisor. We also handle personal matters and offer guidance on risk management. As entrepreneurs, Mark and Marlou feel supported in areas like real estate distribution, tax matters, budgeting, and information on subsidy programs.
Mark shares, "Stolp+KAB regularly points out updated regulations and useful benefits. That’s essential as an entrepreneur."
The result
Two years ago, when a shareholder exited, careful preparation on our part ensured a smooth transition. The client also greatly benefits from the advice provided in the management letter.
Marlou adds, "It’s always helpful to have an external perspective; it keeps us and our administrative organization sharp. You highlight tax advantages or suggest whether to pursue a real estate investment. You handle this quickly and effectively, genuinely thinking along with us." For the coming years, Mark and Marlou aim to continue in the same way—staying vigilant about changing laws and regulations and, when needed, drawing on our international expertise.