ES-KO: Celebrating 70 Years of Excellence in Catering and Facility Management
ES-KO, a prominent player in the fields of catering, facility management, procurement, and supply chain solutions, is gearing up to commemorate its 70th anniversary in 2026. The company, which initially began as an onboard catering service in 1955, has since transformed into a multinational entity with 6,000 employees spread across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. With expertise in sectors like Energy, Mining, Business and Industry, Defense, and various governmental and non-governmental organizations, ES-KO has a rich legacy built over decades.
A Journey of Expansion and Reliability
Starting its operations within the maritime sector, ES-KO rapidly expanded its portfolio into extensive logistics and peacekeeping services, establishing a solid reputation as a reliable partner during challenging situations. A significant milestone came in 1974 when the company undertook one of the largest catering and logistics contracts concerning the Trans-Gabonese railway. By 1988, it was instrumental in supporting 8,000 multinational UN troops stationed in Namibia.
The 1990s marked a period of robust collaboration for ES-KO with NATO and UN missions across conflict zones in the Balkans and Afghanistan. The company maintained its mission-driven approach into the 21st century, contributing to critical operations in locations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel, Syria, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Cyprus. Among its noteworthy projects are the establishment of Madagascar’s national anti-malaria center in 2009 and the swift construction of a school for 400 children in Haiti following the catastrophic earthquake in 2012. The company also played a pivotal role in constructing presidential villas for the 2017 Africa-France Summit in Mali.
In the 2020s, ES-KO has continued to strategically broaden its reach by establishing branches in Congo, Mozambique, and Gabon. In 2024, the company acquired International Facilities Services (IFS) to strengthen its footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa, followed by the acquisition of Campania Alimentare in Italy in 2025.
Partnering with Industry Giants and Purpose-Driven Organizations
Over the last seventy years, ES-KO has forged collaborative relationships with some of the most demanding client organizations across the globe. In Gabon and Congo, the energy enterprise Perenco depends on ES-KO for providing nutritious meals and maintaining living quarters, both onshore and offshore, while ensuring hygiene standards are met even in harsh conditions.
In Mozambique, Coca-Cola has entrusted ES-KO with the management of its plant canteens located in Maputo and Chimoio, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering consistent catering quality essential for workforce well-being. Additionally, ES-KO collaborates with Barloworld, a leading player in heavy machinery in Angola, demonstrating its versatility across varying sectors.
Expertise in Engineering and Camp Construction
ES-KO is not just recognized for catering; it also possesses significant expertise in delivering engineering and camp construction services in extreme environments. Some notable projects include the creation of warehouses, offices, and accommodations for UNMISS in Juba, alongside developing site compounds for the Mosul Dam rehabilitation in Iraq amidst security threats associated with ISIS.
The longstanding partnership with the United Nations, which has persisted for 35 years, highlights ES-KO’s proven capabilities in providing extensive services to large, intricate, multinational communities, especially in conflict zones and regions where infrastructure is limited.
Throughout its journey, ES-KO has embodied resilience, reliability, and a commitment to enhancing the well-being of those it serves. As the company approaches its 70th anniversary, it looks forward to continuing its legacy of creating environments where people can thrive, ensuring operations remain uninterrupted.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ES-KO.
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For more information, visit www.ES-KO.com.
