Proud of CSR Partner Award and Lies' inspiring story

Proud of CSR Partner Award and Lies' inspiring story

28 Nov 2025

At Henri Willig, we believe in the power of opportunity for all. That is why we are extra proud to have been invited to the Employers' Breakfast 2025 byEmployers' Service Point Zaanstreek-Waterland were rewarded with the CSR Partner Award - a recognition of our commitment to creating employment opportunities for people distanced from the labour market.

For us, this award is not only a confirmation of our social commitment, but also a great opportunity to highlight Lies' inspiring story.

A warm place for talent: Lies at Henri Willig

Lies came to us in 2024 via the Jongerenloket Zaanstad and Werkom with a lot of motivation, a strong social character and a background full of voluntary work, shop experience and care internships. Despite the fact that her previous BBL pathway in care did not fit, she remained determined to find an environment where she could use her talents and energy.

At Henri Willig's Catharina Hoeve on the Zaanse Schans, Lies got that opportunity. She grew into an enthusiastic, reliable colleague who, with perseverance and positive energy, contributes daily to a fine shop appearance and associated logistical challenges. For us, her story is proof that with the right guidance and an open attitude, talents with a helping hand can flourish.

Our commitment: inclusive, committed and sustainable

Frank de Bruin, store manager Catharina Hoeve: "The cooperation with the Werkgeversservicepunt and the Youth Counter shows how we as an employer actively contribute to an inclusive labour market. We believe in people and invest in a workplace where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.
The CSR Partner Award is therefore a great appreciation for our approach: offering opportunities, tailor-made support and the confidence that people with an occupational disability can make a valuable contribution ".

Building an inclusive future together

We look back on an inspiring Employers' Breakfast that focused on connection, inclusion and future-oriented cooperation. We are motivated to continue along this line and remain committed to a working environment where everyone can participate.

CSR Report 2024–2025

02 Sep 2026

To leave the world in a better state than we found it. That sounds lovely. But ultimately, sustainability isn’t about fine words. It’s about what you’re doing differently today compared to yesterday.

Over the past two years, we’ve made a lot of progress. In our cheese dairies, on the farms we work with, and amongst the people in our cheese family who work on our cheeses every day. We’ve managed to achieve most of the goals we set ourselves, and we’re incredibly proud of that. Does that mean we’ve already made it? Certainly not. For us, sustainability isn’t about targets, but about a continuous process of trying, measuring, learning and constantly improving. And sometimes that also means having the courage to make bold choices and follow your own path.

CSR Report 2024–2025

Entrepreneur of the year municipality of Waterland

08 Jan 2026

Entrepreneurial Waterland has named our director Wiebe Willig Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. A wonderful boost for our family business Henri Willig, where over 500 passionate colleagues in three countries bring the tastiest cheese to consumers worldwide every day. The innovative cheese maker from Katwoude was praised by the jury for his strong entrepreneurship with guts, vision and perseverance.

Entrepreneur of the year municipality of Waterland

Meet Linde (25 years old) , our new livestock farm manager

17 Nov 2025

Linde (25 years old) - Organic dairy farm manager

After an apprenticeship in Canada, Linde found exactly what she was looking for at Henri Willig: a place where animal welfare is paramount.

"Here, the cow's welfare really comes first. That may sound obvious, but at Henri Willig you notice that it really is," Linde says. "Here, the health and welfare of the animal is taken care of first, and only then production. The cows then reward this with very high contents in the milk. This fits well with my beliefs - and with what I learned during my education."

Meet Linde (25 years old) , our new livestock farm manager

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