After enduring 5 years of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Aalt Verkerk left his home in Amsterdam in 1952, and worked his passage on a slow ship across the oceans to start a new life in New Zealand.
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Aalt had been trained as a Dutch Master Butcher at the Alkmaar School of Butchery and Smallgoods and brought these rare skills with him as he set about plying his trade in the new country he had made his home. Within 10 short years he had acquired the assets which now underpin the activities of A Verkerk Ltd, the company which still carries his name. The consumer branded business is now an established national brand which enjoys market leadership in the salami and ferment type and continental categories across all New Zealand supermarket groups, with a strong presence through the food service channel. The Verkerks brand is synonymous with the values critical to a successful and trusted modern brand; creative innovation, unimpeachable integrity, unmatchable quality and unbeatable value for money. Aalt Verkerk’s character is personified in the legacy which defines the brand’s values. At 87 years of age Aalt still plays an active role in the company that bears his name. Aalt keeps a close eye on proceedings and with an eye for detail acts as the company’s internal auditor. In his capacity as managing director Aalt also plays a critical governance role at Board level. The A Verkerk Ltd story is a testament to a lifetime of achievement and a truly outstanding contribution to New Zealand business and society. On 30 April 2009 Aalt’s achievements were recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Management’s Christchurch branch when they conferred on him an Emeritus Fellowship. This is a prestigious award which is restricted to five living recipients at one time.
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