What Westland does

Westland Kaas B.V. is a Dutch family-owned cheese marketing, sales, and product development company founded in 1936 in Huizen, Netherlands, and currently in its fourth generation of family ownership. Rather than operating dairy production assets itself, the company focuses on brand development, proprietary recipe formulation, and distribution, while outsourcing cheese production, packaging, and warehousing to specialized Dutch dairy cooperatives. Its portfolio consists of four core brands: Old Amsterdam (flagship characterful aged cheese with a distinctive black rind and Italian-inspired flavor profile), Maaslander (creamy reduced-salt cheese launched 1978), Trenta (health-focused cheese replacing 75% of animal fats with plant-based oils), and Westlite (approximately 40% less fat than regular Gouda, launched 1987). The company also markets Old Amsterdam Crème (spreadable variant), the WildWestLand plant-based range developed with Those Vegan Cowboys, and premium goat cheese via its 2018 co-ownership stake in Formatgeries Montbrú in Catalonia.

The business generates revenue primarily through branded cheese sales to retail supermarkets (including Albert Heijn) and to foodservice operators, with secondary revenue from export to over 60 countries, direct-to-consumer sales through the Old Amsterdam Giftshop e-commerce platform and brand-owned retail stores in Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport, and limited-edition co-branded products at major foodservice chains. Distribution spans domestic retail, global export via established distributors, foodservice partnerships with McDonald's Netherlands, Starbucks (Netherlands and Belgium), Shell Café (105 NL locations), New York Pizza, and Kwekkeboom, plus e-commerce. Production technology centers on proprietary recipes and aging processes refined over generations, including the use of microbial rennet (microbieel stremsel) making Old Amsterdam and Maaslander fully vegetarian, and the company outsources all manufacturing to third-party Dutch dairy cooperatives.

The company operates as a brand-led, sales-led business with a relatively lean headcount of approximately 90 employees given its asset-light production model and €100M+ revenue-class operations, and has recently pivoted toward plant-based and sustainability initiatives (SBTi-validated climate targets with scope 1/2 reductions of 58.8% by 2034, climate neutrality targeted by 2036; €6.25M lead investment in Those Vegan Cowboys in December 2025).

Name

Westland

Legal name

Westland Kaas B.V.

Website

https://westlandkaas.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1936

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Westland Kaas is a fourth-generation Dutch family-owned cheese company (founded 1936) that markets and distributes four core brands — Old Amsterdam, Maaslander, Trenta, and Westlite — produced by outsourced Dutch dairy cooperatives and sold via retail supermarkets, export to 60+ countries, foodservice partnerships, and direct e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Branded cheese products

NAICS

Cheese Manufacturing (311513), Dairy Product Manufacturing (3115), Dairy Product (except Frozen) Manufacturing (31151), Dairy Product (except Dried or Canned) Merchant Wholesalers (424430)

SIC

Dairy Products (2020), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Ripened Natural Cheese Manufacturing (Semi-Soft, Hard & Blue) (AFAHABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fresh/Natural Cheese Manufacturing (Unripened & Soft) (AFAHABAA), Cheese (Natural & Processed) (CRADACAC), Cheese Wholesale (AFAIAEAC)

Keywords

• Branded cheese products
• Dairy marketing
• Specialty cheese brands
• Cheese distribution
• Foodservice cheese supply

Headquarters

HQ city

Huizen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. Cheese product sales: Westland Kaas sells branded cheese products (Old Amsterdam, Maaslander, Trenta, Westlite) to retailers (supermarkets) in the Netherlands and internationally, and to foodservice operators. Production is outsourced to Dutch dairy cooperatives.
2. International export: Westland Kaas exports cheese to over 60 countries worldwide, generating international revenue through established distribution channels.
3. E-commerce / Giftshop: Direct online sales of Old Amsterdam products and gift items through the Old Amsterdam Giftshop and brand website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Westland Kaas is a Dutch family-owned cheese company that develops, markets, and distributes branded Dutch cheese products globally. It owns and sells four core cheese brands — Old Amsterdam (flagship characterful aged cheese), Maaslander (lower-salt), Trenta (health-focused with plant-based oils), and Westlite (reduced-fat) — plus sub-brands Old Amsterdam Crème and WildWestLand (plant-based). Production is outsourced to specialized Dutch dairy cooperatives, while sales run through Dutch supermarket retail, brand-owned cheese stores in Amsterdam and Schiphol, e-commerce via the Old Amsterdam Giftshop, foodservice partnerships (McDonald's, Shell Café, Starbucks, New York Pizza), and export to over 60 countries.

Product overview

Westland Kaas is a Dutch family-owned company (established 1936) that operates as a cheese marketing, sales, and product development company, with cheese production outsourced to specialized Dutch dairy cooperatives. The company owns four main cheese brands: Old Amsterdam (flagship characterful cheese with distinctive taste), Maaslander (lower-salt creamy cheese), Trenta (health-focused with plant-based oils), and Westlite (reduced-fat cheese). The portfolio also includes Old Amsterdam Crème (spreadable variant), WildWestLand (vegan brand launched 2020 via Those Vegan Cowboys partnership), and operates Old Amsterdam Cheese Stores retail locations plus an e-commerce Giftshop platform. Westland exports to over 60 countries and produces cheese at various Dutch dairy cooperatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Old Amsterdam: A characteristic cheese with a rich, spicy taste and subtle sweetness. Recognizable by its iconic black appearance and beloved by connoisseurs worldwide.
• Maaslander
• Trenta
• Westlite
• WildWestLand

Products and services

• Old Amsterdam Flagship characterful Dutch cheese with a distinctive rich, spicy taste and subtle sweetness, distinguished by its iconic black exterior and unique ripening process combining Dutch Gouda tradition with Italian inspiration. Available in multiple variants (Original 48+, 35+, Reserve, Goat, Crème, spreads, grill slices, truffle spreads). Sold through Dutch supermarket retail, Old Amsterdam Cheese Stores, the Old Amsterdam Giftshop, foodservice partners, and export to 60+ countries.
• Maaslander Creamy, mild Gouda-style cheese with 25% less salt than regular cheese, positioned as a conscious everyday choice for families and consumers seeking accessible taste without compromising quality. Produced with microbial rennet, making it fully vegetarian. Sold through Dutch retail and export.
• Trenta Healthier cheese alternative made with 100% natural ingredients, where 75% of animal fats are replaced with plant-based oils. Contributes to maintaining normal cholesterol levels, is vegetarian, lactose-reduced, and free from artificial additives.
• Westlite Reduced-fat Gouda-style cheese brand trusted since 1987 for consumers pursuing a conscious and healthier lifestyle, offering approximately 40% less fat than regular Gouda cheese while maintaining a full, creamy taste. Available in young and aged varieties.
• Old Amsterdam Crème Spreadable cheese variant delivering the characteristic Old Amsterdam taste in a creamy, easy-to-spread format suitable for toast, sandwiches, and drinks occasions. Awarded two Superior Taste stars in 2025.
• WildWestLand Plant-based cheese brand launched in 2020 in collaboration with Those Vegan Cowboys, producing vegan cheese alternatives such as Garlic & Herb Affair and Melt Me Smoky. Represents Westland's expansion into the vegan/plant-based segment as part of its climate-neutral cheese roadmap.
• Old Amsterdam Cheese Stores Brand-owned retail stores operated by Westland Kaas in Amsterdam (Damrak, Damstraat, Singel) and Schiphol Airport, offering cheese sales and tasting experiences for consumers and international travelers.
• Old Amsterdam Giftshop Direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform operated by Westland Kaas for Old Amsterdam cheese gifts and novelties, including seasonal items such as Old Amsterdam Kaas-eitjes met Chocolade (€3.99 for 4 pieces). Reported as experiencing significant growth.
• Old Amsterdam Kaas-eitjes met Chocolade Limited-edition Easter novelty combining Old Amsterdam cheese with chocolate, sold in packs of 4 for €3.99 via the Old Amsterdam Giftshop and Old Amsterdam Cheese Stores.
• De Damrakker Limited-edition cheese packaged in a commemorative can celebrating Amsterdam's 750th anniversary, available in two variants ("You are one of Kind" and "You're always amazing and so awesome") at selected supermarkets and Old Amsterdam Cheese Stores.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 60 countries export reach
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• KwekkeboomcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2026Expanded partnership with joint creation of Old Amsterdam Jalapeño bitterbal (launched March 2026), following the success of their cheese bitterball. Kwekkeboom provides the signature crispy breading, while Old Amsterdam contributes its award-winning cheese flavor with jalapeño peppers for heat.
• New York PizzacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 October 2025Limited-edition Old Amsterdam Truffel Pizza launched through a guerrilla marketing campaign with graffiti tags. Extended partnership in 2026 with Croissant Pizza featuring Old Amsterdam and truffle on a croissant crust. New York Pizza (under The European Pizza Company, part of Norwegian Orkla) operates 325+ locations in the Netherlands and Germany.
• Shell CafécoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 September 2025Shell and Old Amsterdam launched three co-branded products (Bagel, Cheeseburger, Wrap) at all 105 Shell Café locations in the Netherlands from September 2025 to January 2026. Shell Cafe focuses on quality and innovation through collaborations with star chefs.
• NewForrest (Kwekkeboom, Buitenhuis)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 March 2025Producer of Old Amsterdam cheese balls for McDonald's distribution. NewForrest is owner of the brands Kwekkeboom and Buitenhuis, a fingerfood producer.
• StarbuckscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025Two exclusive Old Amsterdam Toasties (plain and with ham) launched at Starbucks locations in the Netherlands and Belgium, bringing local Dutch cheese flavor to the global coffee chain's menu.
• McDonald's NetherlandscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Multiple successful collaborations including McCrispy Old Amsterdam burger, Old Amsterdam cheese balls (first cheese balls ever on McDonald's menu in the Netherlands), and recurring limited-edition products across hundreds of McDonald's locations.
• Those Vegan CowboyscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Westland Kaas partnered with Those Vegan Cowboys to develop plant-based cheese that tastes like the original. Together they launched WildWestLand in 2020, the first plant-based brand, with flavors like Garlic & Herb Affair and Melt Me Smoky. This partnership represents a key step toward climate-neutral cheese by 2036.
• Montbrú (Formatgeries Montbrú)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Westland Kaas is co-owner (since 2018) of Formatgeries Montbrú, a renowned goat cheese producer in Moià, Catalonia, Spain. Montbrú combines traditional craftsmanship with a strong regional identity, with unique mountain climate at 720 meters altitude for optimal aging. Known for award-winning cheeses like Sarró, winner of 'Super Gold' at World Cheese Awards.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hochland: German family-owned cheese company producing branded sliced, cream, and processed cheeses for European retail and foodservice; directly comparable to Westland on family ownership, branded specialty cheeses, and European QSR supply.
• Bel Group: French multinational behind The Laughing Cow, Babybel, and Kiri, with a branded cheese portfolio sold globally through retail and foodservice; directly comparable to Westland as a brand-led, asset-light cheese marketer with international reach.
• Savencia Fromage & Dairy: French specialty cheese company (Caprice des Dieux, Saint Albray, Etorki) with branded portfolio across retail and foodservice; closely comparable to Westland as a multi-brand specialty cheese marketer.
• Emmi Group: Swiss dairy company with branded specialty cheeses and premium dairy desserts marketed across Europe and the Americas; comparable to Westland for its brand-led cheese marketing in adjacent European markets.
• Royal A-ware: Dutch cheese and dairy producer with branded and private-label portfolios, supplying major European retailers; comparable to Westland as a Netherlands-based cheese company with similar customer and channel profile.

Emerging players

• Perfect Day: US-based precision fermentation dairy startup producing animal-free whey protein for cheese and other applications; comparable to Westland's Those Vegan Cowboys investment as a technology-driven plant-based dairy competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Lactalis: World's largest dairy group and privately held French cheese giant with brands like Président, Galbani, and Leerdammer; relevant incumbent peer for global premium cheese branding and M&A competition.
• FrieslandCampina: Largest Dutch dairy cooperative with broad portfolio of branded cheeses, dairy ingredients, and consumer products; direct domestic incumbent competing for the same Dutch retail and foodservice customers as Westland Kaas.
• Leprino Foods: World's largest mozzarella and dairy ingredient producer supplying global QSR chains; comparable to Westland as a scale player behind branded QSR cheese menus like McDonald's.
• Arla Foods: European dairy cooperative marketing branded cheeses (e.g., Castello, Lurpak, Apetina) across 100+ countries; comparable to Westland for its farmer-owned cooperative model and strong branded cheese marketing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Westland