Ricola to take over Hero production plant
Lenzburg is set to gain another popular Swiss heritage brand: Ricola Group continues to invest in Switzerland as a manufacturing base by acquiring the production plant at Karl Roth-Strasse from Hero. This will enable Ricola to overcome the production constraints in Laufen and to meet the high global demand for its products. Ricola is taking over part of the existing production infrastructure, as well as offices and a staff restaurant.
With the acquisition of the Hero production plant in Lenzburg, Ricola is expanding its production base in Switzerland further. Ricola is growing dynamically and has, for example, become the USA market leader in the cough drop category. Europe and Asia are also strong markets for Ricola, with Asia in particular achieving double-digit growth rates. Ricola manufactures all of its products in Switzerland, mainly in Laufen near Basel, and exports them to 50 countries worldwide.
Laufen will remain the headquarters and most important production site for Ricola. Thomas P. Meier, CEO of Ricola Group, said: “We are very pleased to be able to expand our capacities in Switzerland with the production plant in Lenzburg, allowing us to continue meeting the rapidly growing international demand for our products into the future."
Some of Ricola's production technologies and processes are related to those of Hero, so Ricola will take over the entire plant. The landmark round office housing the Hero Group management and the Hero Switzerland team will remain the property of Hero Group. The staff restaurant will be used jointly by both companies in the future.
"We are proud to have found in Ricola the perfect buyer for our production plant in Lenzburg. Hero's headquarters will, of course, remain at the birthplace of our company and we look forward to having Ricola as neighbours," said Rob Versloot, CEO of Hero Group.
Ricola is scheduled to start production in Lenzburg in the first quarter of 2026. Ricola plans to create up to 40 jobs in Lenzburg and will likely also employ Hero specialists.
Hero was supported in the deal by real estate advisors CBRE.
Ricola is one of the most modern and innovative cough-drop manufacturers in the world. The company exports its herbal specialty products to 50 countries and is known for its Swiss quality. Founded in 1930, Ricola is headquartered in Laufen, Switzerland and has subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the United States. Today, the company manufactures around 50 different types of herbal cough drops and specialty teas. A family company, Ricola is regarded as a pioneer in the cultivation of herbs. It places great value on using carefully selected locations and controlled, environmentally-friendly cultivation methods. The company has fixed purchase agreements with around 85 contract farmers in the Swiss mountain regions. Ricola is a responsible employer that is committed to sustainable company management economically, socially as well as ecologically. The Swiss company’s success stems from its ability to uphold the traditional values of a family company while maintaining exceptional quality standards and a drive to innovate.
The Hero Group is a global food company focused on branded nutritional food products. The company was founded in 1886 in Lenzburg, Switzerland, where its headquarters are still located today. Hero's main product categories of Baby & Toddler Food and Snacks, Natural Spreads, and Healthy Snacks are complemented by its activities in Baby & Toddler Milk and Specialties. The Group, which lives by its mission to delight consumers by conserving the goodness of nature, boasts a global footprint and its portfolio consists of many well-known international and local brands. In 2023, the Group generated revenues of CHF 1.2 billion.
Ricola Group AG
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Baselstrasse 31
4242 Laufen
Tel. +41 (0)61 765 41 21
media@ricola.com
