Orkla has bought a majority stake in Danish pizza chain Gorm’s as it continues its series of acquisitions.
Gorm’s Pizza, which was founded in 2003 by Gorm Wisweh, currently has seven restaurants in the Copenhagen area and operates a catering service.
Orkla, which also owns Norwegian pizza brand Grandiosa, has become a majority stakeholder with a 67% stake in Gorm’s.
Gorm’s Pizza CEO Anders Kjørup said the company has been looking for a partner which recognises its value and potential.
He said the best part of the deal is that a “mutual understanding” exists between Orkla and Gorm’s and that Gorm’s DNA will remain intact.
“Looking forward, we will continue to give our guests amazing experiences with renewed energy, utilising the great skills of both companies to get even better,” he added.
Last year Orkla Food Ingredients expanded its presence in Denmark with the acquisition of an 80% stake in sales and distribution company SR Food as it aims to bolster its organic and vegetarian foods offering.
Meanwhile in February it purchased Danish bakery and breakfast cereal manufacturer Struer Brød through its wholly-owned subsidiary Orkla Foods Sverige.
Source: FoodBev
Currently chief executive of GreenV – an international group of companies active in the horticultural sector – van Karnebeek spent a large portion of his career at Heineken, working in commercial, marketing and general management positions. He served as chief commercial officer at the Dutch brewer from 2015 until 2021.
The facility combines the existing Kerry office in Barcelona with a new customer suite and application labs. It will enable the company to work more closely with its customers in Southern Europe to develop food and beverage solutions.
The sweet and culinary flavor creation labs are the latest addition to the company’s expansive campus that has been in operation since 1964, spanning more than 312,150 square feet in Brabrand, Denmark. The innovation hub is home to more than 400 employees engaged in research, application development, ingredient and flavor creation.
