deSter is a leading provider of innovative food packaging and serviceware concepts for the travel and foodservice industries. As long as 90 years, we have designed, developed, and manufactured tailor-made solutions that combine deep industry expertise with a passion for design and customer experience.
In the travel industry, our offering includes tableware for aviation and rail, amenity kits, textiles, and complementary products to support onboard service. Whereas in foodservice, we focus on sustainable food packaging solutions—compostable, recyclable, and reusable concepts that help customers reduce environmental impact.
At deSter, we remain committed to delivering innovative food packaging and serviceware concepts that meet the highest quality standards and support a more sustainable future.
deSter's history goes back to 1936 when the company was founded in Amsterdam by T.H. Ritman. At that point, the company produced cleaning and service products for hotels, hospitals, and restaurants—laying the foundation for what would later become innovative food packaging and serviceware concepts.
Joost Ritman took over the company from his father in 1969 and took on the further development of deSter. Straightaway, they were convinced that the aviation industry would grow significantly due to increased travel and more passengers.
In the seventies, deSter’s rise accelerated thanks to onboard weight optimization. Back then, plastic disposable and reusable products replaced heavier porcelain. So, with expansion in mind, the Ritman brothers ended up at the one-man company of Jaak Geens in Hoogstraten. Jaak specialized in molds and was a producer of plastic ice cream scoops and fries forks.
Afterwards, this expertise contributed to our leadership in innovative food packaging and serviceware concepts.
In 1963, Jaak Geens started an injection moulding business, producing plastic spoons and stirrers in the garage of his home in Hoogstraten. After that in 1973, his company was acquired by the Ritman Family and deSter Disposables was born.
EQT-owned Duni AB acquired deSter in 1999, restructuring the business and repositioning it within the in-flight equipment and catering industries. Later in 2005, this division was separated from Duni and continued operating under the name deSter.
gategroup, the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services, acquired deSter in September 2007.
deSter and SPIRIANT were merged in 2021 to capitalize on experiences in terms of product portfolio and sustainable solutions on a higher level. In particular, SPIRIANT production capabilities and advanced equipment management solutions completed deSter's portfolio, reinforcing its leadership in innovative food packaging and serviceware concepts.
deSter acquires NUPIK, based in Spain, expanding its portfolio and market segments. As a result, this acquisition strengthened its position in innovative food packaging and serviceware concepts.
In every product we develop, human creativity is the first and foremost ingredient. We are experts in turning creative ideas into an inspired design, then a tasteful product, and finally a globally distributed reality. Undoubtedly, our design approach is based on four key phases aiming to deliver results through co-development.
At deSter we combine a wealth of in-depth knowledge and industry experience with a passion for trends and technological innovation in order to deliver on any challenge. Together with our customers we go for a thorough understanding of their market, operations and desired customer experience.
deSter has production plants in Europe, US and Thailand in addition to sales offices and warehouses worldwide. With more than 1000 dedicated employees and worldwide supply chain, we deliver food service concepts across the globe on a daily basis.
Both the foodservice and travel industries are core markets in our business. We serve Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chains, food processors, airlines, hotels & rail customers across the globe.
The success of deSter depends in large part on its employees. As a result, we focus our energy on attracting and retaining talented individuals and encouraging their growth and development within our company. Ready for your next professional adventure?
deSter constantly grows in different markets, releases new products, and implements its ESG strategy further. Our news section is regularly updated to bring you the latest updates about the business.
