The Go family has always been enterprising. They had a biscuit and pastry shop, a peanut shop and traded in bread, flour, vegetables, but also in whiskey. Or, as you can see in the photo, Grandma ran a fashion store when she was 28.
From 1950 on, grandmother and grandfather Go came to the Netherlands with 7 children and moved to the Van Lijndenlaan in Naarden. They lived in a normal corner house with a garage behind it. The whole neighborhood enjoyed the smell of cooking that rose from the kitchen and garage.
Father Frans Go started in 1954 'Go & Zoon' with his grandpa in the garage. With the help of all sisters and brothers they baked different Indonesian snacks like Katjang Shanghai, Bumbu Gado Gado, Krupuk and Teng Teng.
Grandma Go opened Restaurant 'Hokkie' ('Luck') in 1955 at the Single in Amsterdam. The whole family helped in the restaurant until late at night.
The production of 'Go & Zoon' moved to Gerard Doustraat in Amsterdam. In addition, they also run a small shop, named "Warung Kita" where the products like Santen en Seroendeng were sold.
Because de Bijenkorf ordered so many Shanghai nuts, Frans Go invented a new production technique with drawer pans. A technique that is still used for contemporary products. Pa Go (right in the picture) was the ''the inventor of the Shanghai nut''
For several years there is a partner, Mr. Tan, with whom the name "Go-Tan" is a fact. In 1962 more production space is needed, which was found in Badhoevedorp. Many bumbu were made, but also Rempejek, Sambal Goreng Kentang and large prawn crackers. Grandma comes by daily to bake Rempejek or prawn crackers. As can be seen here in the photo.
In 1966 a factory is necessary to increase production capacity. The factory is established in Rhenen, at the Vogelenzang. The production techniques that Frans Go invents are becoming increasingly professional. His sister Poppy, who still lives in Indonesia, is a good chef and comes to help with all recipes. To this end she takes her recipe book with her.
The fairs and pasars are an important point of contact with the public.
Frans Go has a new business building built on self-purchased land on the Spoorstraat in Kesteren. It was officially opened in 1975.
On the photo Frans Go is examining the authentic Boemboes (Indonesian spice mix).
Together with his sales director Lodewijk Tan, they ensure that the products in the supermarkets are becoming more widely available. Especially the "prawn crakers" is an important product.
Frans Go (in themiddle) passes away after a chronic illness at the age of 54. The lead is taken over by Lodewijk Tan. Frans Go's sons; Cliff, Bing and Han are then respectively 22, 20 and 14 years old. Together with mother Go, they become major shareholders of Go-Tan. They decide to finish their studies first and gain work experience external.
As a pionier in "stir fry'', Go-Tan develops the Wok essentials and successfully markets them. We also started with the color purple as a recognition color for Go-Tan products.
Go-Tan's 50th anniversary is celebrated with family, friends and relations. Of course together with all families and with a lot of tasty homemade food.
From the Foodservice market, the Go-Tan Chilli Sauce has grown into the favorite of Dutch households.
The first, small-budget commercial "Supervisory Board", with the sisters of founder Frans Go, is broadcast on regional channels.
The Go brothers at the Go-Tan stand at the Paris Food Fair SIAL. Go-Tan products are now sold throughout Western Europe. Prawn crackers are now also known by Go-Tan as Pétales Crevettes, Rekerchips, Pan de Gambas or as Prawn Crackers.
Important prawn crackers line gets new variants and "family atmosphere" packaging. The packaging shows Han, his children, 2 nieces, a cousin, an aunt, a great-aunt and an uncle. All "Go" family.
The successfully renewed prawn crackers assortment with the family members on it, is supported by the first national commercial of Go-Tan with Han himself and the real recipe book of Aunt Poppy in the spotlight.
This converted Citroën bus has now traveled throughout the Netherlands and has even visited Belgium and Norway! He was found on many student introduction days and festivals.
This has been celebrated extensively with family, friends and relations. As a gift, the staff made a beautiful facade cloth which is attached to the front of the factory. In addition, in the summer of this year we had a large open door day for people from the neighborhood.
After a few years on the road with the converted Citroën bus, it was time for something new! The new food truck received a makeover and was even equipped with a real sales hatch. In the meantime we have already seen many places in the Netherlands with our food truck and we have been present at a large number of different festivals!
The 65th anniversary has also not gone unnoticed. The brilliant anniversary was celebrated with the staff. This time the three brothers have received a 'golden acorn' as a symbol of protection, happiness and growth.
