Ericus Gerhardus Verkade was born on 20 November 1835 in Vlaardingen in the Netherlands.

He was named after his father, the notary Ericus Gerhardus Verkade Sr (1801–1835), who died one month before he was born.

Verkade's mother, Geertruida van Gelder, was from Wormerveer and moved her family back to her birthplace shortly after Ericus Jr's birth.

[2] Verkade originally baked bread and rusk, but soon expanded to make cookies, chocolate, and snacks.

Jan was the twin brother of Ericus Gerhardus (1868–1927) who would take over his father's business.