Espee NV: Leading the Way in Suriname’s Poultry Industry

Innovation and investment drive local production and food security.

Camelia Raoui
May 8, 2025
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Founded in 1960, Espee NV has grown into one of Suriname’s leading poultry producers. A family-owned business, it has continuously adapted through modernization and strategic investment. “In 2010, we became ISO 22000 certified, and now we are ISO FSSC certified, this is a major upgrade and a testament to our commitment to food safety and quality,” says Director Shawn Thijm. Today, the company operates a fully automated processing line, handling up to 3,000 birds per hour.

Espee is committed to strengthening Suriname’s food security by increasing local production. “Our goal is to meet the entire demand for chicken in Suriname,” says Thijm. Recent investments include a $2.5 million state-of-the-art farming facility and plans for a dedicated feed mill to cut costs and enhance efficiency. The company is also exploring alternative feed sources like corn and cassava to reduce reliance on imports.

Looking ahead, Espee aims to expand into value-added products like pre-seasoned and pre-cooked chicken, ensuring high-quality, locally produced poultry while driving sustainability and innovation in Suriname’s agricultural sector.