History
Gilbert Crombé
It started in 1894...
Crombé's desire for wine was born in 1894 when Gilbert Crombé opened his doors in Zottegem in East Flanders. He decided to go his own way because his passion for wine became too big. Our Gilbert was also a top talent in tasting.
In those days, the wine arrived in Zottegem from Bordeaux or Burgundy via the railways. Not in bottles, but in large wooden barrels! These were first moved by horse and cart to Gilbert's wine cellar, after which the bottles were bottled. A craft in itself.
As a side note, this bearded hunk also became Mayor of Velzeke.
Willy Crombé
...and the son expanded.
Gilbert's son Willy eventually took over the torch. He intelligently expanded the selection of self-bottled wines and launched a village ceremony each time the wine barrels arrived at the Zottegem train station. In doing so, he strengthened the family name in the East Flemish wine landscape.
Willy was a man of principle who also became a commander in the Belgian army.
Lucien Crombé
3rd generation in the heart of Kortrijk
After an adventurous phase in life, Lucien, Willy's only son, decided to continue the family craft as a wine merchant in Kortrijk, West Flanders. In 1976, he opened his wine boutique on Stationsstraat.
His three children Guy, Dominique and Philip learned the tricks of the trade at a young age. They took over the helm quite quickly as Lucien unfortunately died young.
Guy & Philip Crombé
Entrepreneurship in high gear
With great willpower, brothers Guy and Philip lifted the family business to a higher level. Their focus on the catering industry was increased considerably and in 1992 the business moved to a building on Engelse Wandeling (Kortrijk). Within this, the shop department also received an uplift, provided by the expertise and resilience of their sister Dominique.
Great leap upwards
In 2013, Philip and Guy decided to move again to a brand new and larger location in Doenaertstraat (Kortrijk), custom-built for both optimal logistics and a more open shopping experience. The team grew and our offer expanded with an ever sharper focus on quality products and distribution of exclusive brands.
Looking to the future
The question of where the future will take us is one we have always consciously asked ourselves. What is the next step for a company with so much potential? How can we ensure sustainable growth and a stable future, without losing our own identity?
This reflection led us to an important decision: the collaboration with the Quva Group. In the Vanhalst family we found a partner who not only shares our vision, but also uses the same values and standards that have formed the basis of our company for generations.
In 2022, we officially took the leap. With Margaux Vanhalst at the helm, we set a course for a new chapter together, in which tradition and innovation go hand in hand. This collaboration does not mean saying goodbye to who we are, but rather strengthening our foundations – with a view to a future in which we can continue to build, innovate and grow.