Origin of ORIOR
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
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
Renamed to ORIOR Holding AG and focus on food. Investment in Rapelli and acquisition of Trinca.
1996
Equity interests in Le Patron, Pastinella and Catering. Traiteur Seiler adds a traditional brand.
1997
Establishment of Fresico in China and consolidation of logistics in Langenthal with Lineafresca Logistic AG.
1998-2002
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
Reduction of China involvement. Launch of the "Hungry Eyes" initiative focusing on food service, exports, and acquisitions.
2006
Long-standing majority shareholder Pargesa Holding SA is selling its stake to management and Capvis Equity Partners AG.
2008-2009
Acquisition of Albert Spiess expands the portfolio. In 2009, Spiess Europe becomes the export platform for Germany and France.
2010
ORIOR went public and is listed on the Main Standard of SIX Swiss Exchange.
2011
Acquisitions of Salumeria Keller (TI) and Bernatur strengthen charcuterie and tofu expertise.
2012
Acquisition of Möfag, a producer of regional meat specialties with strong roots in Eastern Switzerland.
2013
After two years of development, ORIOR has succeeded in launching a world first with gluten- and lactose-free fresh pasta.
2014
Sale of Lineafresca, focus on fresh convenience and meat refinement. Acquisition of Noppa AG strengthens vegetarian expertise.
2015
With “ORIOR 2020”, the management defines the basis for sustainable growth – with a focus on innovation, brands, efficiency and responsibility.
2016
ORIOR acquires Belgian Culinor Food Group and strengthens its position in the premium fresh convenience market in Europe.
2017
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
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
ORIOR increases its stake in Casualfood to 70%, strengthening its position in the growing To-Go-Food Service market.
2020
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
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
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
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
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
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
ORIOR acquires Italian pasta manufacturer Pastificio Gaetarelli to strengthen its premium fresh pasta segment.