Dive into the story of Arctic Import
From our modest start with the vision of connecting Greenland to the wider market, to evolving into a cornerstone of trade within the North Atlantic market, our heritage is diverse and rich. We take pride in our journey of bridging communities and delivering value through our dedicated service, commitments, and ambitious goals.
Dive into Arctic Import – a journey filled with challenges and milestones. Discover the dedicated people and inspiring stories behind our journey, shaping us into who we are today.
Pioneering Greenland's diverse market from timber to treasures
In 1972, The Royal Greenlandic Trade (Den
Kongelige Grønlandske Handel) moved to Aalborg, sparking interest in Greenland among several companies in North Jutland. At that time, Greenland was undersupplied with almost all types of consumer goods across various industries.
The following year, in 1973, Poul Jørgen Nielsen, a newly graduated civil engineer, secured a position as a salesperson at a timber merchant in North Jutland. This merchant established a Greenland department with the aim of creating a viable section for the sale of building materials to Greenland.
Business trips to all the towns in Greenland quickly became a success and laid the groundwork for establishing a local representation in Nuuk. In 1977, Ole Nielsen was hired to manage this function. In addition to the demand for building materials, they received requests for a wide range of products - in short, "everything under the sun". These included everything from trucks, cranes, and boats to a canary for the children or Greenlandic pearls for the lady.
This diverse need created a solid sales foundation for other categories of goods beyond construction. On this basis, Poul Jørgen Nielsen and Ole Nielsen were able to establish the independent sales company domiciled in Greenland, Arctic Import, in October 1978.
That same year, they had the opportunity to buy the local Eventyr ice cream depot in Nuuk, which later became the foundation for Arctic Import's retail department.
Tool Center in Nuuk, 1985
In order to serve the local craftsmen in Greenland, a tool center was established in Nuuk in 1985. Over the years, the tool center has undergone significant development, and in 2004, a growing demand enabled the addition of lumber and building materials to the inventory. In 2005, an expanded lumber and building center was established on the premises.
Specialization
As part of its natural development, an independent sales department was established in 1991 to serve institutions and hotels. Today, this department specializes in interior solutions and consumables. In addition to these activities, a wholesale business has been established, supplying supermarkets, grocers, and kiosks. In 2001, a wholesale warehouse was established in Nuuk, to ensure a steady supply of fast-moving consumer goods to stores in Greenland’s capital.
In 1991, Arctic Import acquired Ilulissat Centermarked, marking the start of a series of grocery stores across Greenland.FAROESE SUBSIDIARY
In 1999, a presence was established in the Faroe Islands building on experience gained in Greenland. These activities were later transferred to the Faroese subsidiary Blika, which is fully owned by Arctic Group. At the end of 2018, Blika was rebranded as Arctic Import, unifying the group’s North Atlantic companies under the same name.
Development of the Group
As the group expanded, it became necessary in 2007 to restructure its activities. As a result, the tool center, timber trade, and hardware store were separated from Arctic Import and established as an independent company under the name XL-BYG Arctic Import. In 2011, a further restructuring resulted in the divestment of XL-BYG Arctic Import, including the sale of the timber trade and parts of the Handicraft & Industry division.
FOCUS ON TOTAL SUPPLY SOLUTIONS
Today, the group is focused on the Greenlandic, Faroese, and Icelandic markets, where Arctic Import serves as a specialized trading partner for both public and private businesses. Today Arctic Import offers a wide range of groceries for retailers, restaurants, and hotels, as well as everyday essentials and specialty products for public and private businesses.
