Osem (company)
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food processing |
| Founded | 1942 |
| Headquarters | Shoham, Israel |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Aviezer Kaplan, Avi Ben Assayag (CEO) |
| Products | Coffee, pasta, breakfast cereals, confectionery |
| Brands | Bamba Gratify Tivall Bissli |
| Revenue |  NIS 3,807.2 million (2010)[1] |
| NIS 480.5 million (2010) | |
| NIS 316.48 million (2010) | |
| Total assets | NIS 3,551.8 million (2010) |
| Total equity | NIS 3,500 million (2010) |
Number of employees | 4707 (2010) |
| Parent | Nestlé |
| Website | www |
Osem Investments Ltd. (Hebrew: אֹסֶם השקעות בע"מ) is one of the largest food manufacturers and distributors in Israel.[2] The group is owned (100%) by Nestlé S.A. of Switzerland.[3]
Before it was acquired by Nestlé, the company was publicly traded and listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. It was a constituent of the TA-25 Index.
History[edit]
In 1942, Eugen Propper and his partner merged Hadagan with two other factories, Assisit and Itrit, to create Osem. The name's origin is in the prayer of the High Priest on Yom Kippur at the time of the Temple in Jerusalem on leaving the Holy of Holies.[4][5][6]
In 1946, the company built its first factory in Bnei Brak, producing noodles.[7] Seven years later, in 1953, upon a request by Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, the company added its staple "rice-substitute" product ptitim. In 1964, Osem's snack factory was founded in Holon, and the company's main product was created - the peanut butter-flavoured Bamba.[8] In 1970, the company started producing baked food in addition to introducing the Bissli snacks, which come in several flavours such as falafel, mesquite, BBQ, pizza, and onion. Osem also produces soup powders[9] and markets MSG-free versions of its soup mixes under a green label as opposed to the traditional red one.
The company's main factory was built in 1976 in Petah Tikva, in which the company's administration offices, distribution centre, and the sauce factory are now found.
Osem has acquired several smaller food companies and expanded their product lines, such as Froumine, Argal Bakery Shop, and Magdanot HaBait factory (where the cakes production line is found).
Other products manufactured by Osem are Cheerios breakfast cereal and hummus.[10]
In 1995, Osem began to market Nestlé's products such as coffee, chocolate, and breakfast cereals. That year, Nestlé acquired 10% of Osem's shares, followed by an additional 41% in 1997.
All Osem products produced in Israel are produced under the kosher supervision of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and many are certified by the Edah HaChareidis.
Founding and origins[edit]
In 1942, Eugen Propper and his partner merged three factories—Hadagan, Assisit, and Itrit—to create Osem. The name “Osem” has its roots in the prayer of the High Priest during Yom Kippur, as he left the Holy of Holies in the Temple in Jerusalem. The company’s first factory, established in 1946 in Bnei Brak, produced noodles. In 1953, upon a request from Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, Osem introduced its staple product: ptitim, a rice substitute.
Iconic products[edit]
Bamba: In 1964, Osem’s snack factory in Holon created the beloved peanut butter-flavored snack, Bamba. Bissli: Introduced in 1970, Bissli snacks come in flavors like falafel, mesquite, BBQ, pizza, and onion. Cheerios: Osem produces this popular breakfast cereal. Hummus: Among their diverse offerings, Osem also produces hummus.
Expansion and acquisitions[edit]
Osem expanded by acquiring smaller food companies, including Froumine, Argal Bakery Shop, and Magdanot HaBait factory (known for cake production). They also ventured into baked foods. In 1995, Osem began marketing Nestlé’s products, including coffee, chocolate, and breakfast cereals. Nestlé acquired 10% of Osem’s shares in 1995, followed by an additional 41% in 1997.
Kosher certification[edit]
All Osem products produced in Israel adhere to kosher supervision by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Many products are certified by the Edah HaChareidis.
Ownership[edit]
Osem Investments Ltd. was publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange until it was acquired by Nestlé S.A. of Switzerland. Currently, Nestlé owns 100% of Osem.
Production facilities and subsidiaries[edit]
The company, formerly known as Osem Ltd,[11] holds a number of subsidiaries which make up the Osem Group. The company's subsidiaries include Sabra Salads, Tivall, Of Tov, Nestlé Ice Creams, Beit Hashita, Asamim, Nestlé-Purina, Materna Ltd. (51%), and Foodtec. In 2008, the company bought Tribe Mediterranean Foods Ltd., a Mediterranean food producer and distributor based in the United States. The group produces approximately 2,000 different products, divided into four main categories: room temperature food - snacks and pastries, room temperature food - other, chilled food, and frozen food.
The group operates 10 different production facilities in Israel, and distributes its produce through its distribution centers. In 2007, the group completed the construction of a nationwide distribution and logistics center. In addition, the group exports its produce to Europe and the United States through its overseas subsidiaries: Osem U.K. Ltd. and Osem USA Inc.[12]
References[edit]
- ^ "Osem Investments Ltd". Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. 2011. Archived from the original on 29 March 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
- ^ Dun's 100 - Israel's Largest Enterprises 2009, Dun & Bradstreet, archived from the original on 2011-09-27, retrieved 2009-10-14
- ^ Jessica Steinberg (April 20, 2004). "In Soy Food, Kibbutzim Find Manna for a Modern Age". The New York Times.
- ^ Osem Nestlé USA. "About Osem". Osem Nestlé USA. Archived from the original on May 7, 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ World of Judaica. "Osem Origins". World of Judaica. Archived from the original on May 19, 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ "Machzor Yom Kippur Ashkenaz Linear, Musaf for Yom Kippur, The Avodah Service 537". Sefaria. Archived from the original on 2 March 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
- ^ Thomas A. Friedman (December 1, 1985). "Israeli feel the sting". The New York Times.
- ^ Marnie Hanel (October 22, 2015). "Letter of Recommendation: Bamba". The New York Times.
- ^ Israel Shenker (April 10, 1975). "Israeli Food Show Almost Chickenless". The New York Times.
- ^ "Nestle to Buy Out Food Maker Osem for About $840 Million". Bloomberg News. 4 February 2016. Archived from the original on 2019-04-02.
- ^ "Bronfman Group To Invest in Osem". The New York Times. January 3, 1991.
- ^ Osem USA, Inc. "Rachel Glickman, Joshua Rosen". The New York Times. April 12, 2015.
External links[edit]
- Official website (in English, archived)
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