History

The history of Almakúti: where vision and passion come together
The name Almakúti, meaning apple spring, is deeply rooted in the region’s history. As early as the 13th century, residents gave this name to the area because of the abundance of apple trees that grew there. This historical connection with fruit growing laid the foundation for the development of a thriving and modern fruit growing business.

A fruitful start in Hungary
Almakúti’s story begins in 1994, during a trade mission organized by the Rivierenland Chamber of Commerce. This mission brought together thirty entrepreneurs from the region, including Jan van Kessel, an expert in fruit growing and construction projects from the Betuwe. During his visit to Hungary, Jan was inspired by the opportunities in Zala province. He decided to combine his expertise and vision and start a new project!

In 1995 he took the first steps to establish Almakúti. The company began as an ambitious initiative led by a Dutch manager, while Jan van Kessel himself was regularly present in Hungary. The transition period after the political changes in Hungary required patience, diplomacy and the ability to navigate through complex bureaucratic processes.

A Modern fruit growing company in Hungary
Almakúti quickly grew into a success story. Within five years of its founding, the company was already supplying nearly 10 percent of Hungary’s total apple needs. Thanks to a clear vision and a strong foundation of expertise, Almakúti became the only major Dutch agricultural enterprise in Hungary.

By leveraging modern technologies, such as intensive apple growing and Ultra Low Oxygen (ULO) cooling techniques, the company set a new standard to the region. This progressive approach did not go unnoticed. On September 8, 2000, Jan van Kessel received a prestigious award: a medal of the Arms of the Province of Zala. This honor recognized his contribution to fruit growing and economic development in the Tátika-Rezi region.

A vision that lives on
On July 17, 2008, Almakúti lost its founder and visionary, Jan van Kessel, who past away unexpectedly at the age of 62. His loss was a great shock, but his legacy lives on in the company. Under the leadership of a dedicated team, Almakúti has evolved into a modern, sustainable and future-oriented fruit growing enterprise that firmly embraces tradition and innovation.

Almakúti’s history is more than a story about apples. It is a story of vision, perseverance and the unique balance between tradition and technology to create a sustainable future.