HISTORY

 

1979
Druco, the printing department, becomes a separate company offering a full offset printing service, including typesetting, photo- engraving, printing and finishing.

 

1982
At this time, Colruyt's computer system is unique in the European distribution world. The computer department becomes a company in its own right under the name of Dolmen N.V.

 

1987
Colruyt is the first Belgian distributor to introduce 'full scanning'. The punch card is replaced with bar codes for all products, meaning that prices no longer have to be entered at the checkout. On top of that, the bar codes offer other benefits: restocking the stores, managing stocks, and placing orders with manufacturers - from now on the entire system runs automatically.

 

1994
- Jo Colruyt passes away and is succeeded by his son, Jef.
- The group acquires 5 'Droomland' stores, which specialise in the sale of non-food and seasonal articles. Later they are renamed DreamLand.

 

1996
Colruyt acquires all the shares in Ripotot, a French distribution group, and takes its first steps beyond the borders of Belgium.

 

1998
- Colruyt launches the OKay shops, local stores with a size of about 400 m2.
- Colruyt develops its home delivery service Collivery.

 

2000
Collect & Go offers all Colruyt's food articles on the Internet.

 

2001
- The first Bio-Planet store opens its doors: a completely organic supermarket.
- Opening of the first DreamBaby store, specialising in baby articles.
- Doumenge and Blin in France are taken over, two companies specialising in deliveries to school canteens, rest homes, etc.

 

2003
- Colruyt delivers to the independent Alvo supermarkets.
- Colruyt takes over the Spar format in Belgium.
- The activities in France are put under the umbrella of the holding company Pro à Pro Distribution.

 

2005
- Pro à Pro expands (Foodservice).
- The start of dream: a new sales formula specialising in gifts and presents.

 

2006
- The Group boasts 16,599 employees.


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