Supermarkets seek Austrian suppliers after Ardo closure plan

Austrian supermarket chains are seeking alternatives after plans to close Ardo’s frozen-vegetable plant in Groß-Enzersdorf, ORF reported. The Marchfeld region produces 80 percent of Austria’s frozen vegetables.

Ardo plans to stop frozen-vegetable production at the end of this year and close its pasta line in spring. Logistics operations will wind down in stages through the second quarter of 2027, with the plant scheduled to shut completely in August 2027. It produces for Iglo and the frozen-food private labels of Billa, Hofer and Spar.

Spar said it had agreed with Schneider’s Gemüseland to produce almost all of its frozen-vegetable products in future, and that its own-label vegetables would continue to come from the Marchfeld. Rewe, Billa’s parent company, said it was exploring partnerships with alternative Austrian suppliers.

Hofer, which sourced frozen vegetables for its Zurück zum Ursprung organic brand and other own-label products from Ardo, said it would consider different sourcing options if enough Austrian produce was not available. Lidl is also seeking alternatives and said it hoped to continue offering Austrian products.

Ardo held informal talks with its works council on Wednesday. The next round of negotiations on a social plan is scheduled for Friday, a company spokesperson said.