Family History

Old Dutch Vinegar & Mustard

1941

In 1941, Karlo Sancer-Santich came to New York City from Yugoslavia. He bought the Old Dutch business and operated for many years from a five-story brick building at 80 Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn New York. During this time, Brooklyn was known as a manufacturing capital of the world.

This street-level image shows the face of the building which opens to the northeast. The company name runs along the top of the building (upper right) and loading space for trucks is visible (lower left)

1941
Beginning

This aerial image is looking southwest. The plant is in the center foreground, with its sixth-story tower and a water tank behind it. The Williamsburg Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Brooklyn Bridge are in the background crossing the East River.  

1949

Vinegar tank.

1949
Transitions
Old-style vinegar filter.
1961

As a prominent business person, Karlo’s death was covered in the New York Times. Born in 1895 and having earned degrees in mechanical engineering and chemical engineering, Karlo worked in the design and construction of flour and textile mills, owned an iron works company, and was a director at other corporations. After his death, the company went through transitions, and continued to build the business. 

1961
Next Generation

Paul Santich, son of Karlo Santich, followed as the next President over the business. This portrait hangs in the office today.

1972

Expanded operations with the purchase of a facility in New Hampshire that produced fruit juices, vinegar and mustard.

1973

At a young age, Charlie Santich, son of Paul, visited the Old Dutch production facility.

1973
1977

Charlie saw construction and expansion of the business that his father operated. 

1977
1984

Consolidated operations to the New Hampshire location.

2001

The company had a major fire. Through the rebuilding process, none of the employees were let go. Afterward, the rebuilt plant and warehouse included upgraded facility services.

2001
Today
Production out of Greenville, New Hampshire has expanded.
Today

A tree farm continues to be planted on the property.
Old Dutch maintains the tree farm as a way to show care for the environment.

Quality is still key and capabilities continue to grow with service across packs, platforms and customers. 

Charlie Santich has been a member of The Vinegar Institute for many years.

https://versatilevinegar.org/