Vivartia

Vivartia is the result of the merger of Delta Holding S.A., which included Delta Dairy Products, Goody's, Flocafé and Mechelany foods as well as a dozen other major Greek food and beverages related corporations of the nutritions field, with the snack and bakery business lines of Chipita. Its transition deal name was “Brand Co” and was officially changed to Vivartia in May 2006 when the merger was completed. It created the largest food group in Greece, one of the top ten companies in Greece and 35th largest food group in Europe.[10] The merger was voted "Deal of the Year 2006". After the merger was complete, the company changed its name to Vivartia S.A.

During the next 18 months the transformation strategy was completed with further acquisitions, disposals and restructurings. Jenk left Vivartia in 2006 and Daskalopoulos in 2007,[11] when the majority of Vivartia's share were acquired by Marfin Investment Group.

It now consist of various divisions aimed at different aspects of the field. These are:

• Dairy & Beverages Division (formerly Delta)
• Frozen Foods Division (Barba-Stathis)
• Catering Services & Entertainment Division (Goody's, Flocafé)

Vivartia has always been a leading branded producer in Greece; holding either the number 1 or number 2 market position in product categories. Vivartia has continued to develop its portfolio: acquiring, merging and disposing of different businesses.

It has championed quality and value of its products and services. In 2005 it won PDO designation for feta cheese.[12]

As with many dairy companies around the world (such as Parmalat in Italy, Arla in Sweden and Express in the UK) Vivartia has been subject to accusations of collusion. In December 2007 Vivartia was initially found guilty[13] of colluding with other milk producers (Nestlé, Fage, Mevgal and Olympos) to fix milk prices in Greece to the disadvantage of the consumer.[14] A contested decision as milk prices are regulated by the European Union (and Greek authorities) as well as the unlawful actions of certain Greek civil servants.[15] Management have never been charged with wrongdoing. Yet the State's Prosecuting agent investigating this case against Vivartia and Mevgal, Panayotis Adamopolous, was jailed for bribery and extortion attempts against the companies.[16]

7days Bake Rolls in a German supermarket

In the Balkans, Vivartia is active in Serbia and Bulgaria and is interested in tapping the rising consumer demand elsewhere in the region and in Russia.

Outside of Europe Vivartia is also active in Egypt and Mexico.

In 2007, Vivartia plans to expand into organic farming in Romania and into fast-food chain franchising in Serbia.

In 2008, Vivartia bought US biscuit and snack-producer Nonni's for $320 million as part of its expansion plans, along with its brands Nonni's and New York Style and Old London.[17] The acquisition also ensured an entry of Vivartia's 7 Days croissant products to the US market, to be followed by other products at a later stage.[18] In that same year, Vivartia also announced plans to open a new plant in Yadkinville to complement its six existing US plants.[19][20] As of March 2010, Vivartia now produces and sells 7-Days Croissants in the United States.[21]

In 2014, Vivartia has announced a cooperation with Granarolo for market access to France and Italy. This arrangement reflects a continuation of the original strategy put in place in 2003.[22]

• Vivartia official site
• Goody's official site
• Marfin's official site