The Dutch Beverage and Hospitality Supply Wholesalers Association (GDH) is the employer organisation of the beverage and hospitality supply industry. The GDH is active both in the areas of collective representation and individual member services.

About 150 beverage wholesalers are members of the GDH, together representing approximately 90% of the total turnover in the industry. This makes the GDH the major representative of beverage wholesalers to the Dutch government, agencies of the European Union in Brussels, producers, buyers, importers and related organisations operating on the beverage market. Internationally, the GDH cooperates with beverage wholesale organisations in other EU countries as part of the European Association of Beer & Beverage Wholesalers or CEGROBB.

GDH structure
The highest body of the GDH is the General Meeting of Members, which appoints the Executive Committee. The Committee has an independent chairman. The Committee consists of independent beverage wholesalers and representatives of the commercial beverage organisations. The members of the Executive Committee are responsible for the following portfolios: General Affairs, Business Affairs and Communication, Commercial Affairs and Logistics, Financial Affairs, and Legal and International Affairs.

Collective representation
The GDH's collective representation is focused on a number of policy areas. Important national issues include developments in the areas of logistics and packaging, alcohol legislation, inner-city problems and food safety. Key issues on Europe-wide level are packaging & environment, alcohol policy, harmonisation of taxation and duties, competition and harmonisation of returnable packaging deposits.

The GDH represents the beverage wholesale industry in relations with suppliers and customers. It also represents the industry in various national and international agencies and special-interest groups, as well as in consultative bodies on early retirement and pensions. The GDH participates in social-economic organisations and makes collective labour agreements. The GDH collaborates with the commercial beverage organisations and is represented on many trade and commodity boards.

Individual member services
The GDH advises its members on legal, trade legislation, financial and other matters, including labour law, hygiene and taxes.
The GDH cooperates with other organisations to develop industry projects in the areas of training and quality assurance for its members.
The GDH enters into framework contracts on behalf of its members to offer them advantages in a variety of areas, such as fuel purchasing and employee health care.
The GDH organises excursions and international study trips for its members.
The GDH organises informative meetings on current issues, such as HACCP and Health & Safety.
The GDH informs its members and third parties about developments that are important to the industry.

Executive Committee
Members of the Executive Committee of the GDH:
R.G. Boekhoven (chairman)
D. Hamming - InBev Nederland
J.P.J. van Duin - Heineken Brouwerijen Groothandel Services
J. van der Kolk - BéGéDé
P.L.M.M. Schraven - D.O.N. BV
Secretary: C. Riphagen - Stichting BBM