Fakher El Kallassi, the founder, opened his 50sqm store in Bourj Hammoud selling fresh homemade cheese and dairy products.
The store’s high earnings encouraged Fakher to expand the business and relocate to a 600 sqm store with warehouses. He successfully introduced new imported Kashkaval and Bulgarian cheeses from Eastern Europe, Italian mortadella and other food items.
The company built the first commercial center in Dora (Bauchrieh area), known today as CIT building and moved its head office there.
“Fakher El Kallassi and Sons” became “El Kallassi Trading Establishment SARL” – known today as “Kallassi Trading Corporation SAL”
Kallassi Trading Establishment signed the first import contract with the Cremo Cheese Company, Denmark. More imports of various Danish cheese products (Boel Foods, Chesco, Brikum, Puck, Canadane and Dofo) and Dutch and Belgian Ham by Continental soon followed.
Fakher El Kallassi’s sons joined the business and successfully expanded trade activities by signing exclusive distribution contracts with multinational companies to professionally market and distribute imported brands.
The company adopted a new approach to storage, marketing, sales and distribution. The Total Quality System (TQS) was adopted.
GROUPKA was established within El Kallassi Holding to bring together all the companies, factories and institutions based abroad and several other projects.
The company relocated to the new headquarters, paving the way for a new chapter of greater expansion and higher standards.
Sheepka was founded within GROUPKA specializing in the production of handmade cow and sheep milk cheese in its 30000 sqm manufacturing facility located in Bulgaria. The company is fully export oriented.
King Food S.A.L. was founded (Burger King in Lebanon) within Kallassi Group aiming at diversifying its investments. Burger King is considered to be one of the most important fast food chains in Lebanon with a network of 23 restaurants across the country.
The solid and prosperous business history between El Kallassi Group and the country Denmark was crowned by a successful joint venture with M.D./Arla Foods yielding continuous expansion and sales growth.
El Kallassi Group celebrated its Golden Jubilee (its 55th year in the business). Fakher El Kallassi passed away not long after this milestone event.
DANIKA (a manufacturing plant specialized in white cheese, Lebanese labneh and laban and chocolate spread) was founded in Lebanon.
SERVIKA (a firm specialized in distribution, warehousing, maintenance and on-pack promotions) was established to serve the needs of the group and other firms.
Christophe El Kallassi was appointed Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of GroupKa.
Prince Henrik of Denmark awarded Mr. Jack El Kallassi, Chairman of GroupKa, in Fredensborg's royal palace; the "Golden Medal of Honor" in recognition of a growing understanding between the Danish and Lebanese cultures in addition to Groupka's great achievements during the past 40 years.
GroupKa acquired a well established FMCG company, "Hakim Dowek", renown for its international brands in the Lebanese market such as Baygon, Raid, Glade, Hershey, Haagen Dazs, Twinings - to name a few.