Olympia today announced its intention to sadly close its dairy plant in Pajottegem. Olympia has been struggling with negative financial results since
2018. The Belgian dairy producer became part of the Royal A-ware Food Group in September 2022. With this, Royal A-ware prevented the closure of Olympia at the time.
Since the 2022 takeover of Olympia by Royal A-ware, investments have included the maintenance of installations and the organisational structure has been adjusted to increase efficiency and improve processes. However, too many of the installations and infrastructure are so outdated that complete new construction is needed to meet current and future efficiency and quality requirements. The investments this requires are not economically justifiable.
There has been a diligent search for ways to make Olympia profitable. The conclusion of all this research has been negative. Therefore, Olympia unfortunately sees no possibilities to continue its activities at the Pajottegem site.
The intention to close was communicated to the special works council and employees on 6 May. Consultation with employees, works council and trade unions will take place in the coming period. During this information and consultation process - in which due care is paramount - Olympia will not provide any further information.
Family dairy companies Olympia and Royal A-ware are entering into a far-reaching collaboration, whereby Royal A-ware takes over the shares of Olympia. Olympia becomes part of the Royal A-ware group. The families behind the dairies have reached agreement on this and submitted their intention to the Belgian Competition Authority (BMA) for approval. Existing agreements and conditions for Olympia employees and suppliers are of course respected.
“There are strong similarities in the history and philosophy of both companies. Royal A-ware is therefore the perfect partner for us. This step creates a strong financial base that ensures stability and guarantees the continuity of Olympia. Together with the Huygh family and my brother Marc, I am confident that this is the best choice for our employees, suppliers and customers.", says Luc Van Impe, Olympia's Executive Director.
The partnership with Olympia complements Royal A-ware's existing activities in Belgium and creates a strong foundation for further growth. Jan Anker, CEO Royal A-ware: “The dairy products that Olympia produces in Herfelingen have traditionally been a household name in Belgium and are known for their good quality. The family business of the Van Impe family has become a household name within the Belgian dairy in its more than 100 years of existence. Thanks to the investment program of the Huygh family, Olympia has been heavily modernized in recent years and is ready for further growth. We are therefore pleased that Luc and Marc Van Impe and Kris Huygh will continue to be associated with Olympia with their expertise.”
Olympia Dairy has taken a big step forward in sustainability as it becomes the first company in Belgium to fill products in SIG aseptic carton packs with SIGNATURE 100 packaging material with no aluminium layer, 100% linked to forest-based renewable materials, SIGNATURE 100 lowers the carbon footprint of carton packs even further.
UHT semi-skimmed milk is launched in SIG’s combiblocMidi 1L. Olympia Dairy partners and SIG will play a pioneering role in sustainability within the European dairy industry.
Olympia is expanding its range of sustainable and responsible products in SIGNATURE FULL BARRIER *.
In addition to the milk range, various creams are already available with 40%, 35% and 20% f.c. for the Belgian market and we are also constantly developing new products with different fat contents for export.
*SIGNATURE FULL BARRIER packaging reduces CO2 emissions compared to a standard pack. This packaging consists of cardboard, plant-based plastic and a very small amount of aluminum and all packaging materials come from certified sources: FSC cardboard, renewable polymers ISCC PLUS and ultra thin layer aluminum certified by ASI. More info: www.sig.biz.
PRESS RELEASE
From June 2021, we produce liquid dairy products in sustainable aseptic cartons from SIG Combibloc. Two differentiating formats in three filling volumes – 500ml, 750ml and 1.000ml, will be available from the start : combiblocMidi and combifitMidi for the different product ranges in our portfolio. Flexibility at its best.
Our sustainability ambition did not end here. We opted to start with the sustainable packaging structure SIGNATURE Full Barrier. The beverage cartons are made of up to 95% renewable materials and are responsibly sourced. The paperboard is FSCTM-certified (FSCTM trademark licence code: FSCTM C020428) certified and the thin layer of aluminium is ASI-certified (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative). This sustainable structure reduces the CO2 footprint versus the standard structure.In a next step to take sustainability to the next level, we will also launch in the future an alu-free structure for UHT-milk. Another advantage is the light-weight of the packaging and the convenient single action screw cap.
For more information, please have a look at : https://www.sig.biz/en/packaging/beverage-packaging/signature-pack-details
The first available products will be our UHT milk made from 100% meadow milk in two different varities: full milk and semi-skimmed milk. Both products will be offered in 1L. The second product range is our premium quality 35 % cream and 20% Topchef’s. These products will also be offered in 1L. More products will follow later this year.
Producing liquid dairy in SIG Combibloc packaging solutions is one of OLYMPIA’s milestones to support our beloved planet and society. Both companies are working closely to offer even more sustainable solutions in the future. Olympia is ready now to meet conscious consumers by offering our sustainably packed products.
OLYMPIA intensifies its sustainable strategy first by the use of “meadow milk” in all its products and second by the launch of a new production line in May 2021 with aseptic cartons 100% eliminating the need for an aluminium barrier.
The innovative Sig Pack Signature 100 alu-free structure is the world first aseptic carton linked to 100% renewable material – 100% plant based.
TOGETHER SHAPING A WASTE-FREE FUTURE
Olympia, loves sustainability.
As from next week we drive with more environmentally friendly trucks.
Roger Van Damme, best pastry chef, full of emotion and passionate love for pastry, believes that OLYMPIA cream is TOP.
Olympia produces the fantastic sport drinks Chocovit - Vanilivit - Cafevit 0,5L one way bottles
Please visit www.chocovit.be
There is an increasing demand on desserts low sugar.
Olympia produces 2 NEW fabulous desserts
1) Semolina 2 x 100g/ 100g
2) Porridge 2 x 100g/ 100g
Olympia wishes you
a very nice,creamy Christmas
and a happy 2018.
We have just obtained the Halal certificate.
Download certificate : see About us - Quality
The Belgian Confederation of the Dairy Industry has elected Luc Van Impe, CEO of our company as a president for 2 years. He will follow the steps of Jean-Marc Schevenels.
We are extremely proud to launch our new website. Each product range has been given a fresh new look and is presented in a user-friendly manner. We hope that you can quickly find the information you are looking for and we look forward to your reactions.