‘Understanding of chicken’ becomes main supplier: Hoogwoudse poulterer celebrates its 100th anniversary

32-year-old Barry, the descendant of the Dam family who has been in charge of the company since last year, represents the fourth generation that has managed Thaam Dam throughout its history. “It all started in 1923, just with a horse and cart,” says Barry as he leafs through a company history book. “Door to door, peddling as it were. Mainly vegetables and household items were sold.”

Later the company focused more and more on selling game and poultry. Many customers from the area now find their way to the meat-oriented supermarket every day.

“I don’t think we really have a secret,” says Barry Dam. “We are simply affordable and traditional. For example, we have chickens every Friday for five euros. That is dirt cheap.”

Reward at work

The Dam family is pleased that the company can now carry the title of ‘purveyor to the court’. “I’m very proud of that,” said a smiling Barry. “It’s actually a kind of ribbon for your company, that’s how you should see it.” The plaque with the royal logo will eventually hang on the facade of the business.

“We’re going to hang it tomorrow,” says Barry’s mother Ingrid. “We thought it was too exciting today because of the wind. But the fact that we received the designation is a reward for the work of all generations of Dam.”