Bell Food Group, the largest poultry company in Switzerland, is acquiring Arytza Switzerland's sandwich production business. All employees and the production premises will be transferred with the transaction.
With this move, Bell Food Group subsidiary Hilcona will further expand its market position in the growth area of sandwiches that are freshly prepared every day.
By taking over Arytza Switzerland's sandwich production business in Schlieren, Bell Food Group’s Hilcona will add to its production capacity for ultra-fresh sandwiches beginning August 1, 2021. The new facility for producing fresh products will likewise extend Hilcona’s market leadership in this growth segment.
There are around 25 employees of Aryzta Switzerland.
The contracting parties have agreed to keep all details of the agreement confidential.
In combination with the Hilcona production site in Orbe with around 500 employees, this transaction will enable Hilcona AG to respond to the increased demand for a varied range of craft sandwiches, freshly prepared on a daily basis.
“Freshly baked bread and the highest-quality ingredients are still the most important recipe for success,” said Lorenz Wyss, CEO of the Bell Food Group. “With proximity to the customer, innovation and traditional manufactory quality, we will stand out from our competitors in the growing market for ultra-fresh products.”
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Bell Food Group has more than 12,000 employees in 15 countries. According to the Poultry International Top Companies Survey, Bell Food Group slaughters 300 million broilers on an annual basis.
The company recently revealed its year-end results for 2020, reporting that its annual profit improved on a year-over-year basis by 12.1% to CHF117.7 million (US$126.7 million) during 2020. Bell Food Group also noted that its adjusted sales revenue rose by 2.7% to CHF 4.1 billion.
At the time Bell announced its annual financial results, it said part of its plan for 2021 includes sustainably expanding its leading domestic position in its core business with meat, poultry, charcuterie and seafood in the Swiss retail and foodservice market, by further differentiating its product ranges and services.