IDAK FOOD GROUP
Development of a local manufacturer of potato products into a European premium frozen food group.
PROFILE OF IDAK GROUP
As of 2024, IDAK Holding AG is the parent company of KADI AG in Langenthal (CH), Margherita Srl in Fregona (IT), and Romer’s Hausbäckerei in Benken (CH). IDAK Holding focuses on manufacturers in the premium food segment, leveraging synergies and growth opportunities across the group.
HOW INVISION PLAYED ITS PART
As part of a tertiary buyout, Invision acquired a majority stake in KADI AG in 2018 together with management and co-investors. KADI’s strong market position, the experienced and competent management team as well as the stable underlying sales markets were drivers for the investment decision.
As part of the acquisition of Margherita Srl in 2020, Invision and the other shareholders significantly increased their investment with the aim to provide an optimal succession solution for the previous owner family of Margherita SRL and secure further growth.
THE IDAK SUCCESS STORY WITH INVISION
During the tenure of Invision, the company has evolved from KADI AG – a Swiss-focused manufacturer of potato products – into IDAK Food Group AG, a diversified group of leading European producers of premium frozen foods operating in three business segments: potato products and snacks, pizza products and snacks, and bakery goods and snacks. In addition to the successful execution of a selective M&A strategy, various organic growth initiatives resulted in a significant increase in the number of employees and revenue.
From the beginning, I enjoyed the great team spirit and constructive atmosphere in our discussions with Invision and it investors, which were highly supportive of management during the implementation of the strategic goals and value creation initiatives. The entire team highly valued the long-term view of the investors and their focus on investments in people and sustainability, which created a true IDAK spirit.
SNAPSHOT
INDUSTRY
Food processing
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
At Entry: 16
At Exit: 1’010
REVENUE
At Entry: CHF 70m
At Exit: CHF 280m
INVESTED
2018 – 2024
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
Majority stake together with management and co-investors
WEBSITE
MILESTONES
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
- Diversification into two new business segments in line with IDAK’s diversification strategy through four additional acquisitions (Margherita, Romer’s Hausbäckerei, Prodal, ProPizza)
- Vertical integration through the acquisition of a distributor in Switzerland
- Significant investments in IDAK’s organizational structure, enabling the group to grow while allowing the companies to maintain their unique culture and commitment to their distinctive value propositions
OPERATIONAL MEASURES
- Doubling of the Spring roll capacity to further diversify the product offering at KADI, which created ca. 50 new jobs in Langenthal
- Launch of new “small bag” B2C products at KADI which were an important milestone to drive brand awareness at end consumers.
- Significant capacity expansions across all divisions, supported by investments in digitalization and automation
- Initiation of extensive expansion projects, such as in pizza production in Italy
- Sustainability investments at all locations to optimize energy consumption and improve the working environment for employees
