WILLEMSTAD – Gerard van den Tweel, the former owner of the Van den Tweel supermarkets and the founder of several successful businesses, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 80. 

Van den Tweel was a prominent entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the supermarket industry in the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Bonaire. He had been battling an incurable illness since December 2023 but remained actively involved in his family business until his death. 

On January 6, Van den Tweel handed over the leadership of his supermarkets to Roy de Ridder, who had served as the company’s financial director and trusted confidant for many years. The handover was an emotional moment for Van den Tweel, who, due to his health, was unable to give the speech himself. His words were read by his secretary and emphasized his trust in his successor and the team he was leaving behind. 

Van den Tweel started his career in 1968 with the first supermarket in Nijkerk, based in his parents' business. Under his leadership, the Van den Tweel Group grew into a chain of six Albert Heijn supermarkets in the Netherlands, with a seventh planned for Klazienaveen, scheduled to open in March. His success was built on "courage, guts, and initiative," as he once stated in an interview. 

The supermarket in Curaçao has posted a message on Facebook expressing its commitment to continuing the legacy and values that Gerard passed on: “We will proudly continue to build on the values and goals that Gerard instilled in us.” 

Van den Tweel's passing marks the end of an era for the supermarket chain, but his influence will be felt for years to come.