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.

1948
1965
1977
1986
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2003
2005
2006
2007
2008
2010
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2020
2023
2024
1948

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.

1965

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!

1977

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.


1986

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.

1997

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.

1998

Grand opening Ostend

To serve our customers on the coast quickly at busy times, Ranson opens an order collection centre in Ostend.

1999

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.

2000

Founding of Ranson UK

In 2000, Ranson crosses national borders and commences a partnership with Bekaert & Dupont in London. Ranson UK is born.

2001

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.

2003

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.

2005

Acquisition Erens NV

The acquisition of Erens nv enables us to further strengthen our position as a distributor.

2006

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.

2007

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, ...

2008

Acquisition Poissonnier

Ranson continues to grow. In 2008, Poissonnier Bakkerij-Service BVBA joins the group.

2010

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.

2013 1

Acquisition Van Reet

With the arrival of Van Reet, Ranson Group continues to grow.

2014

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.

2015

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.

2016

Acquisition In2Bake

In 2016, In2Bake joins the Ranson Group.

Gourmet logistique

Founding Gourmet Logistique

In 2017, Gourmet Logistique is set up in France as a logistics partner for Rémy Cointreau.

2018

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.

2020

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 Yr

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.

Bru 2024

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.

Lucien Ranson

"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.

Chocolate matrix 03
Broadest range<br />

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<br />

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

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 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.