STAFF WRITER
The OL Group has announced the permanent closure of the Hartlief Shop & Bistro in Windhoek’s Northern Industrial Area, effective 15 July 2026.
In a statement released on Tuesday the company said the decision follows a comprehensive review of Hartlief’s operations over the past twelve months, undertaken to ensure the business remains competitive, financially responsible and focused on its core meat processing and distribution capabilities.
OL Group Executive Chairman and Hartlief Managing Director, Sven Thieme said the group has taken thorough review of its operations in the past two years.
“The OL Persona – Authentic, Caring and Passionate – guides every decision we make, including the difficult ones. Over the past two years, we have undertaken a deliberate review of all our operating companies, assessing performance, alignment and long-term viability as we build towards Vision 2029,” Thieme said.
According to the company their review confirmed that the Shop & Bistro operates outside Hartlief’s core competency and has not achieved the financial sustainability required to support the broader business strategy.
Despite the dedication of the team and sustained efforts to improve performance, closing the Shop & Bistro is the right decision, the company said.
“That work requires discipline and courage. Closing the Shop & Bistro allows us to simplify operations, reduce overheads and redirect resources to where they will have the greatest impact, thereby strengthening Hartlief’s core capabilities and ensuring we remain on the right path to deliver industry-standard returns and build a business our people and our country can be proud of,” Thieme said.
He said the decision will allow Hartlief to consolidate resources and direct investment where it delivers the greatest long-term impact.
Hartlief’s full range of world-class products remains available at retail stores nationwide and customers can continue to enjoy Hartlief favourites at the Hilltop deli in Windhoek’s Kleine Kuppe suburb, the company said.
According to the statement the closure will not impact the permanent employment status of affected employees.
They said engagement has already commenced with Shop & Bistro staff to explain the reasons for the decision and to present available options.
“Where vacancies exist and skills align, we will prioritise redeployment within the Hartlief business. Where feasible, we will also consider reasonable short-term training or upskilling to support placement into available roles,”Thieme added.
Hartlief expressed their gratitude to every employee of the Shop & Bistro for their contribution, dedication and care for customers over the years. The difficult decision of closure is not a reflection of individual performance but was driven entirely by the need to operate more efficiently and sustainably for the long term.
Hartlief is a Namibian meat processing company, acquired by the Ohlthaver & List (OL) Group on 11 November 2019 when OL obtained majority shareholding in Hartlief Corporation Ltd. Hartlief specialises in the manufacturing and supply of value-enhanced, exceptional meat products-from farm to fork, also supplying products to RSA and other African countries. In addition, Hartlief exports world-class fresh and frozen lamb meat to neighbouring countries as well as selected European countries.
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