In 1993, DPO International was founded in Japan when Belgian national Daniel Pans moved to Tokyo after graduation and just before going for compulsory military service. He secured 1-year research contract with three Belgian companies (i.e. Tienen Sugar, the Belgian Meat Board and Noord Natie). Back then, DPO International started out as a one-man food marketing consultancy and offer agent for European food manufacturers.

The thriving sphere of the Asian market, however, encouraged its expansion of operations. After establishing a base in Japan, the breakthrough came when in 1999, Daniel and his family relocated to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As a specialized food distributor to the food industry, DPO International increased its foothold in Asia over the years and added divisions such as the Food Ingredients, Frozen Meat, Fine Foods, as well as Consumer Foods.