Frigoscandia
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Our history

Tore Lauritzson founded the company Helsingborgs Frys and thus became one of the final pioneers for the major industry known today as deep freezing

A study visit to the USA became the start of a major industry

Findus, where Tore worked, had advanced plans to build their own cold stores. During a study visit to the USA, Tore discovered the answers to the question of how best to process, pack, freeze and store vegetables, fruit and berries. On returning to Sweden, Tore was convinced that cold stores should be kept independent from the food industry, and he therefore founded Helsingborgs Frys, which later became Frigoscandia, Bring Frigo and is now known as Frigoscandia again.

A study visit to the USA became the start of a major industry

Findus, where Tore worked, had advanced plans to build their own cold stores. During a study visit to the USA, Tore discovered the answers to the question of how best to process, pack, freeze and store vegetables, fruit and berries. On returning to Sweden, Tore was convinced that cold stores should be kept independent from the food industry, and he therefore founded Helsingborgs Frys, which later became Frigoscandia, Bring Frigo and is now known as Frigoscandia again.

No temperature-regulated vehicles

The first cold store was completed in 1950, and once the two most important services – frozen storage and freezing – were in place, it was realized that there was a need for temperature-regulated transport in order to be able to offer an unbroken cold chain.

After an unsuccessful attempt at transporting meat, the lack of temperature-regulated transport and suitable packaging was rectified by assembling a refrigeration unit onto a truck just a month or so after completion of the first cold store. The first unbroken cold chain was thus a reality.

Cold storage and shipment everywhere

By the middle of the 1950s, Helsingborgs Frys was able to reach all regions in Sweden via specially constructed railway trains which, together with the company’s vehicles, communicated the message: “Cold storage and shipment everywhere”.

In 1962, the name Frigoscandia was introduced for the first time, initially as a subsidiary company responsible for European expansion. By 1968 it was felt that the name Helsingborgs Frys no longer encapsulated the essence of the developing business, and the company therefore changed name to Frigoscandia.

Cold storage and shipment everywhere

By the middle of the 1950s, Helsingborgs Frys was able to reach all regions in Sweden via specially constructed railway trains which, together with the company’s vehicles, communicated the message: “Cold storage and shipment everywhere”.

In 1962, the name Frigoscandia was introduced for the first time, initially as a subsidiary company responsible for European expansion. By 1968 it was felt that the name Helsingborgs Frys no longer encapsulated the essence of the developing business, and the company therefore changed name to Frigoscandia.

World leader in cold storage

During the first half of the 1990s, an acquisition was completed of the French company CEGF and its 63 cold stores, and Frigoscandia thus became the world leader in cold storage with around 3,500 employees.

Following a sale in 1996, the company now known as Bring Frigo began conducting all food transport and warehousing operations. Since then we have seen the market change as consumers have changed their behavior and expectations, becoming more price conscious, wanting a wider range of products, and eating more meals outside the home, which has coincided with the emergence of fast food restaurants.

Issues relating to safety and increased environmental focus, together with developments within IT and automation, have also played a major role in the development of temperature-regulated food solutions.

Continued focus on efficient transport

The main aim of all food distribution is to transport the goods in as cost-effective a manner as possible while still retaining the original quality of the food. Today’s Bring Frigo aims to be able to generate unique customer benefits by offering the Nordic region’s largest distribution network of temperature-regulated food solutions.

In other words, the same basic recipe for success is still as relevant today as it was at the time of the company’s initial foundation and development.

Continued focus on efficient transport

The main aim of all food distribution is to transport the goods in as cost-effective a manner as possible while still retaining the original quality of the food. Today’s Bring Frigo aims to be able to generate unique customer benefits by offering the Nordic region’s largest distribution network of temperature-regulated food solutions.

In other words, the same basic recipe for success is still as relevant today as it was at the time of the company’s initial foundation and development.

Historically important events

1948-59 – Establishment of cold store followed by refrigerated transport and then a freezing machine in 1959.
1960s – Establishment in Europe under the name Frigoscandia.
1970s – Continued expansion with a presence in 12 countries.
1980s – Focus on building and acquiring warehouses in Europe.
1990s – Stock exchange listing in 1994, followed by a public buy out by ASG in 1995. Frigoscandia is sold to Prologis. In 1994 the company is divided into Frigoscandia Distribution and Equipment, which is sold the following year.
2000s – In 2005 Frigoscandia is acquired by Posten Norge and changes the name to Bring Frigoscandia and later Bring Frigo.
2010s – The charter company Svebol Logistics is acquired.
2020s – Bring Frigo rebrands back to Frigoscandia. Mutares acquires Frigoscandia 2021 from Posten Norway. In 2022 the Norwegian logistic company Polar Frakt A/S was acquired.
2023 – Dachser further strengthens its position in logistics for both chilled and frozen food in Europe by acquiring Frigoscandia from Mutares.

Food supply with the Nordic region as home market

Do you have questions about how your company’s food logistics could be optimised and better integrated into your business operations? We possess the right knowledge and have the logistics network to find the optimal solution for you. Please feel free to contact us.

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