Switzerland: Ricola to acquire Hero plant in Lenzburg

Ricola, a leading manufacturer of cough drops, has announced plans to acquire a manufacturing plant in Lenzburg from Swiss-based baby food, snack bar and spreads company Hero to overcome existing constraints and expand its production infrastructure.

Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Laufen, Ricola manufactures 50 different types of herbal cough drops and specialty teas. It exports its products to 50 countries and operates subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

Commenting on the move, Ricola CEO Thomas P Meier 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”.

Hero CEO Rob Versloot added: “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”.

Ricola will acquire the entire plant because of similarities in production technologies with Hero, while Hero will retain ownership of its office building.

The sweetsmaker intends to start production in Lenzburg in the first quarter of 2026 and create 40 new jobs.

Source: Hero Group