De Kuyper Distillery

Founded in 1695 by Petrus de Kuyper, De Kuyper Royal Distillers is one of the Netherlands’ oldest family-owned spirits businesses, with eleven generations of distilling heritage. Based in Schiedam, the company has evolved from its traditional distilling roots into a global producer of premium distillates, spirits and cocktail liqueurs.

The company opened its first distillery in 1752 and began producing its cocktail liqueur range in 1920, subsequently expanding internationally through the establishment of De Kuyper USA in 1934 and a growing portfolio of premium brands. In 1995, on its 300th anniversary, the company received royal recognition from Queen Beatrix, gaining the title ‘Royal’ that it continues to bear today.

De Kuyper has maintained its focus on craft distillation while developing a portfolio that includes internationally recognised brands and distilleries. Its acquisitions have included Rutte Distillers in 2011, adding a historic Dutch distillery with particular significance to the gin category. Rutte’s heritage dates back to 1830 and its portfolio includes a range of distinctive gins alongside its traditional distilling activities.

Today, De Kuyper is recognised as a global leader in the premium cocktail liqueur category, with its products available in more than 100 countries. The company’s philosophy centres on its ‘Own the Cocktail’ vision, seeking to make quality cocktails more accessible while continuing to innovate, premiumise and modernise the spirits and liqueur categories.

As a family-owned business, De Kuyper places emphasis on entrepreneurship, adaptability and a long-term approach. Its continuing investment in distilling, brand development and innovation reflects more than three centuries of experience while maintaining a forward-looking approach to the international spirits industry.

Through its heritage, portfolio of distilling businesses and continued engagement with gin and the wider spirits category, De Kuyper Royal Distillers represents a significant part of the Netherlands’ long-standing contribution to the world of distilled spirits.