Orkla set to combine its Hamé and Vitana companies

Orkla has opted to integrate its Czech Republic-based Hamé and Slovakia-based Vitana companies into one entity, in order to create “one strong food company” in the region.

The new company will be called Orkla Foods Česko a Slovensko, and the integration process will begin today. Orkla says the integrated company will become one of the largest food companies in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia, and will also have operations Hungary, Ukraine and Russia.

Orkla Foods Česko a Slovensko will be led by Pawel Szcześniak, the current CEO of Vitana, and a management team will be appointed by 9 October 2018.

Vitana was acquired by Orkla in 2013 as part of the Rieber & Søn acquisition, while Hamé was purchased by 2016.

Johan Wilhelmsson, Executive Vice President, CEO Orkla Foods International said: “Vitana and Hamé are two successful companies, but together they will form an even more competitive organisation.

“By integrating them we can build a stronger organisation than each company can do alone.

“By becoming an even stronger company, we can be an even better home for many beloved brands. This means better capacity to innovate and develop them in a strong Czech- and Slovakian-based food company.”