Growth despite adverse currency situation
Swiss family-run company Ricola again posted growth last year. Sales rose by over 5 percent in 2013 to CHF 313 million (2012: CHF 297 million).
Ricola exports its herb specialties to more than 50 countries and generates around 90 percent of its sales abroad. “Despite this international focus, we are fully committed to our home base in Laufen,” says Felix Richterich, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ricola. This is evidenced by the fact that Ricola manufactures all its products in Switzerland. With the construction of its new Herb Center in Laufen, where Ricola’s herb processing activities will be carried out at a single location, the family-run company is making a clear statement about Switzerland as a business location.
From an economic standpoint, the strength of the Swiss franc continued to be a defining feature in 2013. Despite the adverse currency situation arising from this, the Swiss family-owned company managed to record a positive year: Ricola was able to generate year-on-year growth of 5.3 percent. Recorded sales for 2013 amount to CHF 313.2 million (2012: CHF 297.3 million).
Good growth performance in investment regions
Increasing internationalism is increasingly paying off as a key strategic pillar. As a manufacturer of herb drops, Ricola exports more than 40 different herb specialties to over 50 countries around the world. “Last year saw the beginning of our collaboration with a new distribution partner in China,” reflects Felix Richterich, “which got off to a good start.” Growth performance in the investment regions of the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe is also gaining momentum and showing successful results. Ricola will continue to push ahead with internationalization in the future, including in South America.
New product lines in Germany and the USA
Ricola, a pioneer in herb cultivation, successfully launched “Ricola Extra Strength” – a new liquid-filled drop containing natural menthol available in three flavors: Glacier Mint, Swiss Cherry and Honey Lemon – in Germany last year, as well as in the USA. “We have struck a chord with consumers – we are delighted that we have been able to once again demonstrate our innovative capacity with this new product,” says Felix Richterich. The regular launch of product innovations is one of the most important success factors in the highly competitive confectionery market.
About Ricola
Ricola Ltd is one of the world’s most modern and innovative manufacturers of herb drops. Ricola herb specialties are exported to more than 50 countries and are famous for their fine Swiss quality. Founded in 1930, with company headquarters in Laufen and subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the USA, Ricola products now include more than 40 different herb specialties. In Switzerland, this family-owned company is a pioneer in herb cultivation and places great value on using carefully selected locations and controlled, environmentally friendly cultivation methods without the use of pesticides and herbicides. Ricola has concluded fixed long-term purchase agreements with more than 100 farmers in Swiss mountain regions. Ricola is a responsible employer of more than 400 staff and is committed to sustainable corporate management: economically, socially and ecologically. The traditional values of a family-run enterprise coupled with Swiss quality and a passion for innovation define the success of the Ricola global brand.