Skólamatur ehf. is a family business that specialises in the production and serving of fresh and healthy food for children in kindergartens and elementary schools.

The company Skólamatur ehf. was founded in January 2007, but before that, Matarlyst ehf. had run school lunches as a single unit within the company. The company is owned by Axel Jónsson, a chef who has decades of experience in the catering business. Axel’s interest began to focus on hot school meals after his seat on the school board of Keflavíkurbær in 1990. Based on his experience, he developed a business idea that became a reality in 1999 when he started offering children in kindergartens and primary schools healthy meals, especially intended for energetic kids who need nutritious food in the rush of the day. Now Axel’s children have taken over from their father and run the company Skólamatur. Jón Axelsson is the managing director, and Fanný Axelsdóttir is the human resources and communications manager.

At Skólamatur, around 170 employees work at 85 establishments in the southwest corner of Iceland. The company’s employee turnover is low and seniority is high. Roughly half of the current employees have worked for the company for five years or more. Skólamatur focuses on creating a family-friendly work environment where the skills, knowledge and experience of each employee can be enjoyed. Emphasis is placed on lifelong learning and education and that employees have the opportunity to strengthen and develop in their work.