At Petrovitch, we believe in making a difference through high-quality, sustainable products that blend tradition with innovation. With a rich history in the heart of Amsterdam, we have built a reputation for craftsmanship and expertise in every project we undertake. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just creating exceptional designs—it’s about fostering lasting relationships with our clients and partners, and continuously striving to improve the impact we have on the world. Explore our journey, values, and passion for creating solutions that stand the test of time.
Our History
It is 1903 when Ilia Petrovitch settles in The Netherlands. The Amsterdam sugar industry is vibrant and concentrated in the neighbourhood Jordaan at the time, so Petrovitch finds a place there as well. The facing brick of the building at Egelantiersstraat still shows the name: Suikerwerkfabriek (Confectionery Factory) Petrovitch. The artisan confectioner makes finger licking good Pâtes de Fruit, Nougat and Fondant. He quickly makes a name for himself as one of the well-known and best confectionery makers. Read more about Ilia Petrovitch in “The Story of Ilia Petrovitch” on this website.
Family Business
It is the 1970s when Florus & Hella Wegewijs cross the threshold at Petrovitch. They direct the twenty representatives who drive across the country to sell the delicious confectionery to bakeries and specialty shops. They also start crossing borders with export to Germany, France and Belgium. When bakeries in The Netherlands increasingly disappear from the scene in the 1980s, the emphasis shifts even more to export. Pâte de Fruits and Fondant, among others, from Petrovitch find their way all over the world. And that has not changed since. From Japan to the Middle East and America: millions of people worldwide enjoy the delicious confectionery of Petrovitch every year. Florus & Hella Wegewijs have always been working on long-term and warm relationships with customers as well as suppliers. When Florus passes away in 2012, his daughter Léontine takes over his role. Close involvement with customers is in her blood.
Millions of Candy Sticks
At the end of the 1980s Candy Sticks enter the European market when Petrovitch notices an increase in the demand for Rock Candy products. Later on Petrovitch expands the assortment of Candy Sticks with loose Candy Sugar and Sugar Shapes.
The cane sugar used for our Rock Candy products is sourced from Mauritius. Thanks to the tropical climate, this sugar has an excellent taste. Also for the other raw materials, Petrovitch chooses only the best variants from suppliers that comply with all European legislation. Nowadays millions of Candy Sticks and thousands of kilos of Fruit Gummies go over the proverbial counter every year.
Voeg je koptekst hier toe
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Voeg je koptekst hier toe
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Voeg je koptekst hier toe
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Voeg je koptekst hier toe
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Voeg je koptekst hier toe
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The Story of Ilia Petrovitch
Ilia Petrovic was born in 1880 in Valjevo, Serbia, son of a trader in wine. After spending his childhood years in Valjevo, Ilia left his hometown at age 17, to explore the world. He first ended up in Vienna, where he followed a confectionery based education. After spending some time in Munich, Paris and Brussels, he settled in Amsterdam. As Ilia was in doubt the Dutch would be able to pronounce his last name correct, he changed it for his business to Petrovitch.
Confectionery factory
In 1903 Ilia Petrovitch started his own confectionery factory in the Egelantiersstraat in the centre of Amsterdam. His specialty was the production of Turkish Delight, French Confiserie, Fondant and later the typical Dutch product “Hopjes”. As Ilia was quite the entrepreneur, he opened his second business in the Dutch coastal town Zandvoort in 1905. His new business contained a bar and a shop for home-made ice cream and of course the Petrovitch confectionery products.
Every Summer Ilia Petrovitch would travel to the South of France to improve his confectionery production skills with the world famous Anton Rumpelmayer. For about 9 years Ilia was growing his business in Amsterdam and Zandvoort until he decided to go back to Serbia and defend his country during the Balkan war, leaving both of his beloved businesses in the hands of an interim director.
When the First World War was a fact, Ilia Petrovitch again proved his value for the Serbian Army. Later he was honoured with several medals for his services during both wars. When Ilia Petrovitch finally returned to Holland in 1918 he was not alone. During the time he spent back in Serbia Ilia’s marriage was arranged and he came back to Holland with his wife Ruza and son Dragan. After maintaining both businesses again for about 12 years, Ilia sold the production in Amsterdam and focussed on the candy store, ice salon and bar in Zandvoort, which were conveniently located at the beach side. During the Second World War over 600 buildings in the city of Zandvoort got destroyed, including Ilia Petrovitch’s complete business, leaving only ruins of what he had built throughout the years.
After the war Ilia Petrovitch started all over again with his candy shop, ice cream parlour and bar in Zandvoort. Only at the age of 80 years old, Ilia Petrovitch decided to retire. The shop was sold to a local pastry shop and his son Dragan took over the bar.
Petrovitch Today
To the outside world Léontine Wegewijs forms the heart of Petrovitch (obviously very well supported by the rest of the indispensable team internally).
Léontine grew up with Petrovitch. Her father Florus Wegewijs taught her the importance of personal involvement with customers. She now fulfills the same role with verve. Her education in Management, Economics and her experiences abroad gave Léontine the skills to run the company. Moreover, thanks to her creativity, she always finds a solution for your request.
Léontine:
‘As I grew up with Petrovitch, it sometimes feels like Petrovitch is my last name. Petrovitch has my heart because we make such delicious and beautiful products. Nothing beats the taste of real sugar, and the look & feel makes it complete. Whenever I present our confectionery products, for example a Candy Stick with company logo, people are surprised. Your normal cup of coffee gets a real nice upgrade with it. Also our private label gummy candy products are a real treat when you deserve something tasty! I love the products, the relationships with customers and traveling the world to show our wonderful offerings everywhere.’
