Great taste and amazing experiences since 1942

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20 Feb 2019

Our history timeline

Established in 1942

The CO-RO story starts in a 16m2 room in suburban Copenhagen, the idea of Danish brothers Flemming and Jep Petersen.

Their essences for mineral water and ice cream enter the market after much hard work, trial and error.

1950s: A born winner

In the 1950s, the brothers introduce soft drink concentrates – likely unaware these would one day refresh and delight millions of people around the world.

1960s: CO-RO goes international

The 1960s sees CO-RO expand internationally – with factories established in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. True to its family-owned feel, this international growth is based on creating partnerships with family-owned business.

1966: A worldwide favourite in the making

The very first bottles of Sunquick are packed and ready to transport to retail outlets in 1966.

Sunquick juice from 1960s

1967: The first of many partners

In 1967, an agreement with Al Nadir Trading Company in Iraq paves the way for CO-RO to sign up with its first distribution partner for the Middle East and North Africa regions.

1977: A milestone moment of joy

A joint venture between CO-RO and the Binzagr Company in Saudi Arabia leads to the creation of Binzagr CO-RO in 1977 – the Suntop manufacturer in the Middle East and North Africa regions.

1978: The birth of another brand

Suntop launches in the market and is destined to sell more than 1.4 billion servings annually.

1979: Our first ambient ice

In May 1979 we introduced the very first ambient ice to Danish consumers, available in three different flavours.

1986: Hello China

Our first factory opens in China

1992: Introducing Barkath CO-RO

A partnership between CO-RO and Kumpulan Barkath sees CO-RO entering Malaysia, where today Barkath CO-RO produces products for the Sunquick brand.

CO-RO’s Fond Est 2005

2005: Before his death, Jep Petersen transfers the ownership of CO-RO to a foundation, CO-RO’s Fond, to ensure a bright future for the company he and his brother established.

2015: A first for the Middle East

The first representative office opens in Dubai to serve the Middle East and North Africa region in 2015. Another opens in Düsseldorf, Germany later that year.

2017: 75th anniversary

CO-RO celebrates 75th anniversary and opens a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to serve the Asian markets.

That very same year we open a factory in Kenya with BIDCO Africa to serve East African markets.

2017-2018: Gearing up for Growth

New state-of-the-art production facilities, warehouse and head office was opened to support our future growth in the Middle East.

2018: CO-RO’s first international acquisition

CO-RO completes first international acquisition as the Chinese distributor JKD becomes part of the growing business.

2019: An eventful year

We moved into our new headquarter and innovation centre, the CO-RO Oval, in Frederikssund, Denmark and we established 3 new companies in China, Iraq & Bangladesh.

2021: Factory opening in Egypt

Together with our long-term partner, Soudanco, we open our new joint factory in Port Said to serve the Egyptian market with Suntop.

2022: 80 years of Refresh & Delight

CO-RO celebrates its 80th anniversary and starts building a brand new factory in Bangladesh together with our local partner, ACI Limited.