How do you describe your job to people outside the industry?

AJC International focuses on supply chain solutions for businesses in the Food Industry world-wide. In-depth knowledge of supply and destination markets coupled with optimized logistical solutions, language abilities and cultural understanding provide information and products to its partners that allow them to make the best decisions for their business.

Who are your main competitors and what differentiates you from the competition? What makes you unique?

The main competitors for AJC International are producers of meat, seafood and vegetables located around the world who have a sales team with export focus. The broad scope of AJC International and the people in the global team, who have an incredible drive to improve and adapt to change, are setting the company apart from the competition.

How was the business started?

AJC International started in 1972 selling US Poultry items to Puerto Rico. Our first customer is still a customer today. Since then the business has steadily expanded and has become truly global.

How many employees does the business have?

AJC International has a team of 325 professionals. A little over 50% of them live outside the United States.

How did you end up in Atlanta?

The company’s Head Quarters are in Atlanta. I started with the company in the Dutch office, in the great town of Maastricht, purchasing Poultry products. After 2 years, there was an opportunity for me to move to Atlanta, allowing me to be involved in sales in South East Asia. As I love the idea of broadening my view and experience, I jumped on it.

What is your number one business goal over the next year?

In the next 12 months I will be focused on growing our global Seafood Sales. Seafood is a great source of healthy proteins, consumed in most areas of the world. There are many opportunities in this sector and being involved in providing a high quality, sustainable product appeals to me.

What is the best advice you have received regarding doing business with Americans/Dutch?

“People” make the business and “story telling” is a great way to relate to people. Sharing some good (Dutch) stories is a nice way to connect with the people you are dealing with.

Any other personal information you would like to share, e.g. hobbies, special interests, family etc…

After moving to Atlanta I married Allison, she is American and from Long Island. Our sons are Robbie (12), Alex (9) and Steven (9), who are active in “Voetbal” and Baseball. All of us enjoy the outside. Personally I love hiking, skiing and running. When the weather or time are not as conducive to being outside, my piano and I get along well. And of course I have a weakness for good food, complemented by the appropriate drink. Traveling, meeting new people and sharing in my passions for life make for a great work-life balance! 

Contact Details:

Coen Vrolijk | General Manager North America & Global Product Manager Seafood
1000 Abernathy Road NE, Suite 600 Atlanta | GA 30328 | USA
Website:  www.ajcfood.com