ZoetZuur&Zout

About ZoetZuur&Zout

ZoetZuur&Zout is a Breda-based maker of circular, seasonal streekproducten built around locally grown fruit and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. Founded in 2015 by food technologist and product developer Mariëlle Horsten, the company turns imperfect or surplus produce into jams, chutneys, jellies, sauces, syrups, mustard and seasoning products.

The company serves consumers through local farm shops, specialty stores and other regional sales points, and also offers gift packages for businesses and organizations. Its market position is rooted in taste, locality and sustainability: it emphasizes short supply chains, seasonal ingredients, classical preservation methods and fair payment to growers.

Core Values

• Circularity: The company works with produce that is surplus, misshapen or otherwise outside supermarket standards, helping reduce food waste while creating value from local harvests.
• Local sourcing: Ingredients come from farmers, growers, private gardens and regional partners around Breda, keeping supply chains short and strengthening the local economy.
• Seasonality: ZoetZuur&Zout follows the rhythm of the seasons and adapts its assortment to what is available, rather than forcing year-round uniformity.
• Taste and craftsmanship: Products are developed by a trained food technologist with a strong focus on flavor, balance and classical preservation methods so the products remain pure and long-lasting.
• Fairness: The company states that growers receive a fair payment for their raw materials, reflecting a respectful relationship with suppliers.

Unique Aspects

• Founded by a food technologist: Mariëlle Horsten combines food technology, product development and a strong sensory approach to create distinctive flavor combinations.
• Built on surplus produce: The business was created around the idea of transforming local fruit and vegetables that might otherwise be discarded into premium food products.
• Strong regional network: ZoetZuur&Zout works with a wide range of local farmers, growers, farm shops and specialty retailers around Breda, with many products traveling only short distances from field to customer.
• Seasonal and variable assortment: Because the company follows nature and harvest timing, availability changes by season and by sales location, which reinforces its local, small-scale character.
• Gift packages with a circular angle: The company offers customized gift boxes and corporate packages built around local products, positioning sustainability as a practical gifting choice.