Orkla Food Ingredients Acquires Germany’s Slushyboy

(eap) The Oslo (Norway)-based, listed company Orkla Food Ingredients (OFI) has acquired a hundred per cent of the German slush ice production company Freunde der Erfrischung (FdE) through its associated and group-owned Nic Group. Founded in 2004, FdE is known in particular for its slush ice syrup brand “Slushyboy – Frozen Drinks”. The company also offers slush machines, all kinds of accessories and machine services for customers in the leisure and attractions industry and also the out-of-home F&B market. Over the years, the Bremen-based company has also added frozen milkshakes, soft ice cream and frozen yoghurt to its product portfolio. With a turnover of EUR 5.7 million in 2023, Freunde der Erfrischung is one of the market leaders for slush syrups in Germany – in particular the sugar-free variants branded “Slushyboy Sugar Free” have become firmly established in the country in recent years (see our F&B trend reports for the leisure & attractions industry, last published in EAP 3/2024).  The company, which is managed by Andreas Sahlke and Karsten Demske, currently employs 18 staff members.

FdE-Geschäftsführer Andreas Sahlke im Kundengespräch. “With dedicated employees in all functions, we have developed FdE into a strong player in its business category with a broad and satisfied customer base. I am very pleased to have Nic Group with its growth and development mindset on board now as our new owner. This strong connection also offers our employees reliability and strong personal development opportunities in the future,” says former FdE owner and current Managing Director Andreas Sahlke.

Carl Diepenbroek, Business Development Director of Nic Group, adds: “FdE operates in categories we are familiar with and serves customer segments we know well. Andreas and his team have done an excellent job in developing the business and we look forward to helping FdE build an even stronger foundation for further growth in partnership with us.”

The Bremen-based company’s location, team of employees, product range and customer service are to remain in place. With the future support of the Nic Group, FdE will have the opportunity to develop further innovative products and offer an even more comprehensive service. ■