Inventions, pioneering achievements, Nobel laureates. The pages of HACO's history portray a fascinating record of innovation and success.
Haaf & Co gives rise to Haco
HACO was founded in 1922 as a production and distribution site for the special products of the Bern-based pharmacy, Haaf & Co. Its acquisition of the soup and bouillon manufacturer TexTon in Gümligen then laid the foundation for HACO's production of foodstuffs. The company had already succeeded in gaining Migros as a customer in 1925 – and it's a partnership that still exists today. HACO's success wasn't restricted to the field of food production however. It also won plaudits in pharmaceutical research: In 1950 the chemistry professor and HACO employee Tadeusz Reichstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his study on the production of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The pharmaceutical division of HACO was closed in 1965. The foundation of HACO Holding AG in 1994 marked the start of a successful internationalization by the company; present at ten sites across three continents, the HACO Group today serves customers throughout the world.
Milestones
1922
Founding of HACO AG in Gümligen (CH)
1994
Founding of HACO Holding AG (CH), the foundation stone for the HACO Group
1997
Founding of Narida AG in Schwarzenburg (CH) for the manufacture of cereal bars
2004
Founding of HACO ASIA PACIFIC Sdn Bhd in Shah Alam (MY) as the production site for coffee in Asia
2005
Foundation of HACO Canada in Blainville/QC (CA) for the distribution of HACO products in Canada
2007
Acquisition of GFF, Inc. in Los Angeles/CA (US), a manufacturer of salad dressings
2009
Acquisition of Gutschermühle GmbH (cereal bar manufacturer) in Traismauer (AT)
2010
Acquisition of Plochman, Inc in Manteno/IL (US), a manufacturer of mustards and salad dressings
2011
Expansion of production capacities in Malaysia
2012
Acquisition of cereal bar manufacturer Ravensbergen Food BV in Sassenheim (NL)
2013
Acquisition of Gautschi Spezialitäten AG in Utzenstorf (CH), a manufacturer of sauces
2015
Acquisition of Merschbrock-Wiese GmbH (manufacturer of spices and seasonings) in Rietberg (DE)
Haco Group
Organization
The HACO Group comprises various sales and production companies in Europe, Asia and North America.
Facts & Figures
Turnover of 450 million with >3500 products. This is the abridged numerical profile of the HACO Group. But who and what lie behind these numbers?
Technology
At the outset stands the idea. The process culminates in sensual pleasure, culinary diversity and, not least, commercial success. Linking them all is our technological expertise.
Environment & Quality
Exploiting synergies, conserving resources. We make responsible use of energy, materials, air, water and soil. When in doubt, we opt for the most environmentally-friendly solution.
History & Milestones
Inventions, pioneering achievements, Nobel laureates. The pages of HACO's history portray a fascinating record of innovation and success.