Windmill is a true world traveler, a Dutch product developed from the best potatoes harvested from various regions in Northern Europe. Adopted by Chinese chefs over 60 years ago because of the unique product features and quality that perfectly match the requirements of Chinese cuisine. Traveled with chefs to Asian restaurants globally as part of their core cooking ingredients. Nowadays, Windmill Potato Starch is one of the pillars in Asian cuisines globally, an essential ingredient in creating fine sauces, soups and noodles.
In the beginning
How it started
We’re extremely proud of our Windmill because it’s where everything started. It symbolises our Dutch roots and heritage.
Built in 1867, the original windmill – named the Wielengastam – is located in the small northern town of Joure, near the sea where the soil was and still is ideal for growing high-quality potatoes.
The Wielengastam milled the potatoes which were processed into the potato starch we have now come to know and love as Windmill.
In the beginning
Our Chinese heritage
It was a beautiful spring day in May 1948 when a happy accident occurred to two Chinese entrepreneurs. Mr. Lam and Mr. Chan came across: a potato starch produced by the Dutch-based agricultural raw materials and ingredients company, Meelunie. Though potato starch wasn’t traditionally used in Chinese cuisine, both men let their curiosity get the best of them and started experimenting with it in their own kitchens.
So, what happened
Thanks to the viscosity and transparency of our amazing Dutch potatoes, the profoundly enhanced Cantonese cuisine was the source of our starch. Quickly, it became clear that this starch was ideal for Chinese sauces and dishes, adding distinctive texture and structure to local delicacies.
Soon after these experiments produced such unexpected and wonderful improvements, restaurants began using the potato starch in their own cuisines, becoming the first batch of restaurants in China to use the product. In no time, it became official: the word was now out with Windmill’s reputation spreading throughout the country and into an array of typical Chinese dishes.
We are
Meelunie, a leading global supplier of starches, sweeteners and plant-based proteins
Meelunie is a leading global supplier of starches, sweeteners and plant-based proteins. Our product range covers a wide variety of food, animal nutrition and industrial applications, including trusted brands such as Windmill Potato Starch, alongside an ever-growing range of organic products.
As a global company, we have offices spread over five continents and export to over 100 countries. But we’re so much more than a supplier—far beyond it, in fact. From risk management to multi-sourcing, quality assurance to tailor-made supply chains, we develop comprehensive solutions designed to meet your specific needs with first-class service at every step of the way.
As a global company, we have offices spread over five continents and export to over 100 countries. But we’re so much more than a supplier—far beyond it, in fact. From risk management to multi-sourcing, quality assurance to tailor-made supply chains, we draw on 150 years of experience to develop comprehensive solutions designed to meet your specific needs with first-class service at every step of the way. We are here for you, so let us know how can help you!
