In memoriam: Cor Voets
Cor Voets, the founder of our company, passed away on 5 May 2026. After facing an illness with great courage, which took him from us far too soon, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
"I was never a director at the theatre club, but I directed my own final journey."
Cor the cheesemonger
Cor Voets was an electrician by trade, but an entrepreneur since 1973. He was 20 when he bought an old van and became a milkman. A few years later, he started a mobile shop, the familiar SRV van of the time. He even became a “Cheese King” for a while, but a few months later realised he could do better on his own. He became Cor the Cheesemonger, travelling around local markets with a van full of cheese and nuts. He worked alone at first, then with Bram. They worked hard seven days a week to keep everything running.
Cor invented his own mustard and dill sauce, which remains as popular as ever today. “If you are visiting customers anyway, could you take our products along too?” other delicatessen suppliers asked. That sparked the idea of a wholesale business, and in 2002 Cor and Bram founded Voets Specialiteiten together. Cor continued running his market stall while building the wholesale business from there. The product range expanded, and the company grew with it.
Over the years that followed, the company was gradually transferred to Bram, but Cor always remained involved. Personal service was and still is a top priority. Cor continued visiting his regular customers, and whenever there was a problem to solve, he would jump straight into his car.
As managing director, Cor only spoke up when necessary. He much preferred being on the shop floor among the employees, sleeves rolled up, enjoying the occasional cigarette and a good joke.
He wore many hats within the company. He was its owner, adviser, handyman, nut packer, exhibition stand builder and often a van or truck driver. He was the driving force behind Voets, yet always remained down-to-earth and never boasted.
Cor was a wonderful person with his heart in the right place. Kind, charismatic and genuinely interested in others. Someone who made you feel seen. We miss Cor and can hardly believe he is no longer with us.
We are grateful for everything he meant to Voets and to the people around him. His craftsmanship, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for good food remain part of our company and inspire us to move forward with the same dedication.
"Our Cor"
The farewell service is private and will take place on Monday 11 May at 1:30 pm.
You can follow it via the link below.
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