The Belgian Ardo Group has officially rejected a support package from the Austrian federal and state governments intended to save its frozen vegetable plant in Groß-Enzersdorf. Despite the offer, Ardo intends to proceed with closing the Lower Austria site.
Management stated that public support cannot fix a structurally unprofitable operation. Continuing current operations requires 112 million euros, while a spinach-only focus costs 66 million. Both scenarios are unfeasible due to high energy and labor costs.
While Ardo prioritizes a fair social plan, discussions for a new production setup involving efko and Schneider’s Gemüseland are ongoing. efko Managing Director Thomas Krahofer noted it remains open if they will participate in a future frozen food solution.