KÖLLA through the years
Founded in Bern in 1921, KÖLLA quickly evolved from an importer of colonial goods into a specialist for fresh fruit and vegetables. Through economic crises and wartime challenges, the company continued to grow thanks to its innovative spirit, courage and adaptability.
From the 1950s onwards, KÖLLA expanded internationally, establishing new sourcing and sales offices in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom. Strengthened by growing technical expertise and dedicated employees, the company developed into one of Europe’s leading importers of fresh fruit and vegetables.
1921
Scharplatz & Kölla
On August 1, 1921, Jean‑Jacques Kölla and Jon Scharplaz founded Scharplaz & Kölla in the Swiss city of Bern.
The business began as an import agency trading in colonial goods, animal feed and dried fruits sourced from Europe and overseas markets.
1930
Office Relocation
In 1930, the company moved to its new offices at Speichergasse 8 in Bern.
1933
Separation
Following the separation of Scharplaz and Kölla, Jean‑Jacques Kölla took sole responsibility for managing the KÖLLA import agency.
Sole Owner
Jean‑Jacques Kölla – Co‑Founder and Sole Owner (1933–1952)
1952
Renaming
The company was renamed KÖLLA & Co. Grossimportagentur.
New partner
Jakob Honegger – Partner and Managing Director Since 1952
1955
Bern Weekly Market
1958
KÖLLA Düsseldorf
Opening of the Düsseldorf Sales Office, the foundation of today’s KÖLLA GmbH & Co. KG.
1970
Brussels, Munich, Naples
Opening of offices in Brussels and Munich, as well as a sourcing office in Naples (Campania).
1971
London & Valencia
An office was opened in London and a representative office established in Valencia, further expanding KÖLLA’s international network.
From the 1980s onwards, KÖLLA continued to professionalise and expand under a new generation of leadership.
Over the past 15 years, new offices, logistics hubs and product segments have been added, and today the KÖLLA Family comprises more than 140 employees.
With the establishment of KÖLLA Holding GmbH & Co. KG in Kaarst and the launch of the “Together” digitalisation project, the foundation for an efficient digital future was laid in 2021.
Today, the next generation is ready to continue KÖLLA’s success story as the company moves towards its 125th anniversary.
1984
Bern AG
Since its founding in 1921, Bern has been a key location for KÖLLA.
The experienced team serves the Swiss and Austrian markets and works closely with quality growers around the world.
The experienced team serves the Swiss and Austrian markets and works closely with quality growers around the world.
1992
Shareholder
Claude Friederich and Georg Hoffmann became shareholders and took over the company’s purchasing and sales operations.
1996–2011
New shareholders
Joseph Koch, Emilio Maura, Peter Hoffmann, Christoph Mies and Sandra Rüegsegger joined the company as shareholders.
1998
KÖLLA Valencia
KÖLLA Valencia coordinates all Spanish growing operations and manages global imports into Spain. Working closely with other KÖLLA locations, the team ensures outstanding product quality, efficient logistics and strong support for contract growers across all Spanish regions.
2015–2021
KÖLLA Perpignan
KÖLLA Perpignan served the French market from 2015, with a growing focus on organic produce. The company was sold in 2021.
2016
KÖLLA Overseas
KÖLLA Overseas B.V. manages global product flows and ensures reliable, transparent supply chains.
2016
KÖLLA Italia
KÖLLA Italia in Bolzano is a key hub for the import of fresh fruit and vegetables into Italy and the export of premium Italian produce to European and international markets.
2017
KÖLLA UK
KÖLLA UK LIMITED strengthens the KÖLLA Group’s presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Located in Kent, the office provides close customer relationships, efficient logistics and excellent international connections.
2018
KÖLLA Turkey
KÖLLA Turkey brings the KÖLLA Group closer to production. Based in Izmir, the team works closely with growers, overseeing cultivation and harvest directly on site.
2021
KÖLLA Roussillon
KÖLLA Roussillon connects production and distribution, marketing a carefully selected range of fresh fruit and vegetables, primarily sourced from Spain.
2023
Foundation of Global GmbH
KÖLLA Global Management GmbH brings together the Group’s core functions, ensuring consistent standards, efficient processes and strong synergies across the organisation.
2025
Generational Transition
With five new shareholders from the next generation – Patric Gutknecht, Alberto Hoffmann, Emilio Maura, Florian Walther and Benedikt Wetterau – the KÖLLA Group is embracing continuity, innovation and a forward-looking approach to future growth.
Our future is shaped by the combination of experience gained over generations and the innovative spirit of today.
As new approaches to marketing and distribution emerge, they require the courage to embrace change – a quality that defines us. With our expertise, we actively drive transformation and help shape the future of the industry.
At the same time, climate change and environmental challenges call for a responsible and resource-conscious approach. Only through sustainable, future-oriented action can we help ensure a liveable environment for generations to come.
For more than 100 years, we have embraced progress — and we will continue to move forward with the courage to explore new paths and shape the future.