History

Our time travel

ORIOR's history dates back to 1852. What began as a company in the tobacco industry has evolved into an internationally active Swiss food and beverage group. Shaped by entrepreneurial foresight, strategict ransformation and targeted acquisitions, ORIOR today combines traditional craftsmanship with a spirit of innovation.

1852-1991

Origin of ORIOR

Louis Ormond founded a tobacco factory in Vevey and became known for his cigars. In 1903, Louis Rinsoz followed with a cigarette factory and the Meccarillos brand. In 1930, Rinsoz & Ormond SA was formed through a merger, becoming one of Switzerland's leading cigarette producers. At the same time, the company diversified into gastronomic products and acquired stakes in Regina Culinaire and the Fredag Group. In 1992, the decision was made to exit the tobacco business.

1992-1993

Naming ORIOR

Renamed to ORIOR Holding AG and focus on food. Investment in Rapelli and acquisition of Trinca.

1996

Expansion of competence centers

Equity interests in Le Patron, Pastinella and Catering. Traiteur Seiler adds a traditional brand.

1997

Expansion into China

Establishment of Fresico in China and consolidation of logistics in Langenthal with Lineafresca Logistic AG.

1998-2002

Integration Rapelli

New Rapelli building in Stabio and a clear management structure with five pillars. Full integration by 2000, followed by modernization of the plants.

2004-2005

New Growth Strategy

Reduction of China involvement. Launch of the "Hungry Eyes" initiative focusing on food service, exports, and acquisitions.

2006

Management Buyout

Long-standing majority shareholder Pargesa Holding SA is selling its stake to management and Capvis Equity Partners AG.

2008-2009

Acquisition of Albert Spiess

Acquisition of Albert Spiess expands the portfolio. In 2009, Spiess Europe becomes the export platform for Germany and France.

2010

IPO

ORIOR went public and is listed on the Main Standard of SIX Swiss Exchange.

2011

Expansion of vegetarian and charcuterie offerings

Acquisitions of Salumeria Keller (TI) and Bernatur strengthen charcuterie and tofu expertise.

2012

Möfag Acquisition

Acquisition of Möfag, a producer of regional meat specialties with strong roots in Eastern Switzerland.

2013

Pasta Innovation

After two years of development, ORIOR has succeeded in launching a world first with gluten- and lactose-free fresh pasta.

2014

Sharpen focus, strengthen veggie options

Sale of Lineafresca, focus on fresh convenience and meat refinement. Acquisition of Noppa AG strengthens vegetarian expertise.

2015

Strategy 2020

With “ORIOR 2020”, the management defines the basis for sustainable growth – with a focus on innovation, brands, efficiency and responsibility.

2016

Europe Expansion

ORIOR acquires Belgian Culinor Food Group and strengthens its position in the premium fresh convenience market in Europe.

2017

25 Years of ORIOR

ORIOR celebrates its 25th anniversary and commemorates its unique history with receptions at the competence centers, a large anniversary event, and other festive activities.

2018

Biotta acquisition

ORIOR strengthens the organic beverage market by acquiring Thurella AG. In addition, it enters the travel catering business by acquiring a stake in Casualfood.

2019

Expansion of the Food Service To-Go Market

ORIOR increases its stake in Casualfood to 70%, strengthening its position in the growing To-Go-Food Service market.

2020

ORIOR and Coronavirus

COVID-19 shapes ORIOR: Protective measures, retail growth, foodservice slump. Strategy 2025 defines the direction. Additionally, the first proprietary online shop (Albert Spiess) goes live.

2021

Best result in the company's history

Despite the pandemic, ORIOR achieved its best operating result in history. The 2025 climate target (hydropower in Switzerland) was reached ahead of schedule. At the same time, capacities for vegetarian/vegan products were expanded.

2022

30th Anniversary

30 years of ORIOR are celebrated with a food festival. ORIOR Switzerland launches climate-neutral with the goal of net zero by 2050. In addition, the company signs a food waste agreement and achieves first place in the Corporate Governance Rating.

2023

New President

Despite challenges, ORIOR is growing, supported by international companies. Remo Brunschwiler becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors. ORIOR joins the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and commits to climate goals.

2024

Launch of Sustainability Strategy 2025–2030

ORIOR is feeling the challenging market environment but is making its mark with innovations – especially in the organic range. Gesa celebrates 40 years. New offices near Zurich Main Station are being occupied. The sustainability strategy 2025–2030 will be launched at the end of the year.

2025

Restructuring and Realignment

Monika Friedli-Walser takes over as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and acts as Delegate/Interim CEO at the General Meeting. ORIOR is launching a package of measures for simplification and debt reduction. Part of this is the reorganisation of Albert Spiess AG with a partial relocation of production to Rapelli. Approximately 90 jobs are affected in order to secure the brand and core product range.

2026

Strengthening in the Premium Fresh Pasta Segment

ORIOR acquires Italian pasta manufacturer Pastificio Gaetarelli to strengthen its premium fresh pasta segment.