Hero Group sells Breda factory to Belgian Konings

• Employment levels to be maintained

Lenzburg/Breda, May 13, 2015 – The Hero Group, which aims to delight consumers by conserving the goodness of nature, today confirms that it will sell its chilled juices factory in Breda to the Belgian co-packers company Konings Group. This sale will come into effect on July 1, 2015. As part of the agreement, Konings will continue making products for the Hero Benelux at the same factory.

Rob Versloot, CEO Hero Group, said: “The decision to sell the factory in Breda was not taken lightly and was based purely on strategic considerations. We are committed to the Hero business in the region and, more importantly, to our Dutch customers. We have therefore made arrangements with Konings, the new owners, to continue producing our portfolio, thereby ensuring continuity and maintaining the quality that reflects our mission statement to conserve the goodness of nature.”

While the transition will impact the employees involved, Mr. Versloot was pleased to note that employment levels at the factory have been maintained. The transition will not affect the region’s portfolio as the products remain the property of Hero Benelux. Hero Benelux will maintain its head-office in Breda.

Jop Peek, Managing Director at Hero Benelux, added: “Hero’s chilled juices continue to be an important part of our business in the Netherlands. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with Konings in the production of our chilled products. Consumers can of course continue to rely on the Hero quality.”