WILLEMSTAD – The Kortijn Group has officially expanded its operations following the acquisition of the production facilities and assets of the former Lovers company, ensuring the continuation of local juice production and the preservation of nearly 150 jobs on Curaçao.
The transition was formally marked on Saturday, May 30, during a gathering at the Brievengat industrial park, where employees of the former Lovers company were warmly welcomed by their new colleagues from the Kortijn Group.
The event was described as a ceremony filled with appreciation, solidarity, and optimism for the future. During the gathering, Kortijn Director Dean Rozier addressed the employees, reassuring them that their jobs would be retained and outlining the company’s short- and long-term plans for the operation.
Founded in 1933, Kortijn has been serving the Curaçao community for more than nine decades, supplying products such as ice blocks and ice products to generations of residents. With the acquisition, the company has significantly expanded its presence in the local food and beverage sector.
The former Lovers operation entered bankruptcy earlier this year following a prolonged and widely publicized dispute involving the company’s owners and heirs. During the subsequent auction process, Kortijn emerged as the successful bidder to acquire the operational assets and continue production activities.
According to the company, protecting employees and maintaining operational continuity were the primary motivations behind the acquisition.
“For us, the most important objective was to provide stability and security to the nearly 150 employees who suddenly found themselves facing uncertainty,” the company stated. “These workers experienced one of the most difficult situations anyone can face in their professional life.”
Under Rozier’s leadership, Kortijn moved quickly to preserve jobs and ensure uninterrupted salary payments while restarting production operations. The company acquired the necessary infrastructure and developed new recipes as part of the relaunch process.
The first products have already begun rolling off the production line, and the company says consumers can expect noticeable improvements in quality.
According to Kortijn, additional investments were made to enhance the juice formulas, including increasing the amount of fruit used in each variety. The result, the company says, is a more natural product with improved taste and nutritional value.
“Anyone who tastes their favorite flavor will notice the difference,” the company stated. “The juices have become more flavorful, more natural, and healthier.”
The relaunch represents an important milestone for Curaçao’s manufacturing sector, preserving local production capacity while safeguarding employment for dozens of families affected by the collapse of one of the island’s best-known beverage producers.