It all started with Ninni Kronberg inventing a way she could dry milk, and that invention is the basis of today’s Semper. Milk was in abundance, and by drying it into powder, one could make better use of nature’s resources. The Swedish entrepreneur doctor Axel Wenner-Gren bought the patent from Ninni Kronberg and started Svenska Mjölkprodukter AB in 1939 – what later became Semper. The first milk powder factory was started in Kimstad, Östergötland in Sweden.
During the war, milk powder became large in Sweden. Semper grew, and in 1942, in the middle of World War II, a new factory was built in Götene. Baked goods and gruel were developed at the factory, and in 1948 BabySemp was launched. The world’s first industrially produced infant formula was born! The products were manufactured in collaboration with researchers, and Semper established itself as a researcher-friendly and innovative company.
In the years after the war, it was difficult for Semper. Milk powder was no longer a sought-after item. On the contrary, it was in abundance throughout Europe, and now Semper had to look for new business areas. Together with the grain mill industry, they therefore tested whether milk powder could be added directly to the flour. That way, one could sell semi-finished products to the bakery industry, and growth began to happen again.
Gruel and infant formula were gradually available in most stores, but Semper also wanted to offer real meals that were adapted for small children. The Felix cannery therefore became a new partner, and the first baby food glass rolled out from the factory in Eslöv in 1960. Another important year is 1971, when Mjölkcentralen (which becomes Arla in 1975) takes over Semper.
Between 1960 and 1990, many changes took place at Semper. Everything from blue cheese to cocoa drinks and toys is starting to be included in the range, but baby food is still the core of the company. With the acquisition of Juvela gluten-free range in 1990, Semper begins manufacturing gluten-free products.
At the beginning of 2000, Semper rethinks its company and finds focus, and the focus was on being the Nordic region’s leading food company within baby food and gluten-free products, as well as Northern Europe’s leading pancake supplier. In 2006, Semper was acquired by the international food company Hero and during the same period, Semper’s business areas expanded baby food and gluten-free products to Norway, Denmark and Finland.
The pancakes are no longer in the range, but Semper has achieved his vision of being the leading player in baby food and gluten-free products. In addition, in 2015 Semper was chosen as the Food Exporter of the Year in Sweden. The Semper philosophy will still remain the same: «We are proud of our achievements and our history, but we do not rest on our laurels. Instead, we always strive to develop and improve.»
2021 Semper Organic was successfully launched in China.
