MORE ABOUT INDOMEX

Indomex is a South African based Indonesian food manufacturer that is renowned for authentic Indonesian flavours and Asian kitchen essentials; and has been in operation for more than 30 years.

Indomex was founded in 1990 by Wim van Harrevelt who was born in Purworejo, Indonesia and spent his childhood eating, growing and learning in this tropical paradise. The early influence of Javanese spices, food markets and simple Indonesian meals in the many warungs of Purworejo developed into a love for Indonesian Cuisine and Wim carried this passion throughout his life bringing the exotic flavours to his Dutch Indonesian Restaurant, Oud Batavia; and ultimately to the spice and sauce range which is the Indomex that we know and love today.

After living in Australia for a number of years, Wim van Harrevelt & his wife Joan arrived in South Africa in 1976 where they settled and raised their 3 daughters. In 1978, Wim and Joan opened  Oud Batavia in Randburg and succesfully brought the bold flavours of Dutch Indonesian Cuisine to the South African market. Famed for their extensive Rijstafels, the Van Harrevelts were often asked to share their secret recipes and In 1990, Wim and Joan decided to buy Indomex which meant that they could create new & exciting Indonesian food products beyond their famous restaurant dishes.

Indomex remained in the Van Harrevelt family for 30 years with Wim’s daughters carrying the Indomex Torch after Wim and Joan retired. Already juggling busy careers, a decision was made to sell the company to someone who would have the time and passion to grow the Indomex Brand.  Hans Hunink became the proud new owner of Indomex in 2020 spending time with the van Harrevelt’s to learn the special nuances of the authentic Indonesian recipes which were passed down from generation to generation delivering the much loved and Asian taste experience which is Indomex. Hans brings a wealth of knowledge and business acument to the company with over 30 years experience in the hospitality, industrial laundry and catering industries in South Africa.

Growing up in the Hanzestad of Deventer in the Netherlands, Hans was an avid footballer spending many hours cycling to and from training and enjoying some success as a Goalkeeper. Hans was immersed in the Dutch Indonesian food culture from an early age with childhood memories of birthdays and celebrations at the “Indische” – Nasi Goreng and Sate remain a firm favourite to this day and Hans is known for his “mean peanut butter sauce”. His big personality, infectious laugh and passion for service saw him complete a degree in Hotel Management in the Netherlands before his sense of adventure took him to South Africa with a “backpack and a passport” in 1988. Hans worked in the Hospitality Industry for a number of years where he met his wife Sharon, a Trainee Chef at the time and the rest as they say is history.  Hans and Sharon have 2 sons and Sharon acts as a “sometimes consultant” to the Indomex Team.

Hans brings his passion and knowledge to Indomex paying homage to the cuisine and culture of Indonesia whilst remaining firm in his belief that quality ingedients create an exceptional end product.

Hans and Sharon hope to meet Wim van Harrevelt on their next trip to the Netherlands and will definitely take a few of the Indomex Spice Jars for this Doyen of Indonesian Cuisine to sample.

With a focus on quality ingredients and authentic sauces & spice pastes originating from Indonesia, the Indomex brand is instantly recognizable with a flavour explosion that distinguishes our product range from others. We look forward to being part of your spice journey.

Indomex – Authentic Asian Flavours in your kitchen