Bama-Gruppen AS is Norway's largest private distributor of fruit and vegetables. Bama- Gruppen is engaged in wholesale trading of imported and Norwegian-produced fresh produce in fruits, vegetables and flowers.

The corporation was founded as Chr. Matthiessen AS in 1886 when Christian Marius Emil Matthiessen (1850–1918) from Kristiansand

Kristiansand

-History:As indicated by archeological findings in the city, the Kristiansand area has been settled at least since 400 AD. A royal farm is known to have been situated on Oddernes as early as 800, and the first church was built around 1040...

 started a lumber business. Banana imports began in 1905 as the first in Europe outside the UK. The company was eventually named Banana Matthiessen. In 1981, the corporate name was changed to Bama-Gruppen AS.

The company has five divisions: retail, industry, institutions, flowers and convenience shops. On the retail market it delivers produce to the two wholesalers Norgesgruppen

NorgesGruppen

NorgesGruppen ASA is a Norwegian corporation that operates as wholesaler and retailer within grocery stores and kiosks. It is the largest trading company in Norway, with a 36,7% market share within groceries. In 2006 it had 1,898 stores and 766 kiosks...

 and Reitangruppen. Bama is the main sponsor of the Norway national football team

Norway national football team

The Norway national football team represents Norway in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Norway, the governing body for football in Norway. Norway's home ground is Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and their head coach is Egil Olsen...

.