Bæjarbíó chosen as Company of the Year 2025

Bæjarbíó is the 2025 Business of the Year in Hafnarfjörður. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Hafnarborg last night, Wednesday, 26 March. The event is an annual one, organised by the Marketing Office of Hafnarfjörður. The hall was packed with guests who had gathered to honour the town's outstanding businesses, according to a press release from the Marketing Office. Stand-up comedian Birna Rún Eiríksdóttir provided the entertainment.

Páll Eyjólfsson and Pétur Ó. Stephensen from Bæjarbíó with the awards in hand.

Valdimar Víðisson, the Mayor of Hafnarfjörður, presented the awards to Páll Eyjólfsson and Pétur Ó. Stephensen from Bæjarbíó, and at the same time expressed his thanks to the company for their contribution to the community.

„Bæjarbíó is a unique cultural gem in the heart of Hafnarfjörður. It has played a key role in enhancing the town's cultural life with a diverse programme that appeals to both locals and visitors. With concerts and theatre performances, as well as playing a key role in the Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village and the Heart of Hafnarfjörður, Bæjarbíó has contributed to making Hafnarfjörður a vibrant and creative town. We are extremely proud to honour Bæjarbíó with this recognition,“ said the mayor.

Four other companies, in addition to Bæjarbíó, were nominated for the award:

• Intimacy, a plastic-free grocery shop in Hafnarfjörður, has carved out a niche for itself with an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to retail. Nándin has been a pioneer in plastic-free solutions and has contributed to raising awareness of environmental protection in the town.
• The Shore Pub, A Viking-themed restaurant, has been an attraction for both locals and tourists with its unique experience and lively atmosphere. The Fjorkráin has brought the town centre to life and strengthened tourism in Hafnarfjörður.
• Icefall, a well-established company in Hafnarfjörður, manufactures fishing gear for the Icelandic fishing industry and has, through innovation and quality, enhanced both the economy and the competitiveness of Icelandic fisheries in the international market.
• Gulli Arnar Bakery, an artisan bakery with a focus on high-quality bread and pastries, has enriched the culinary scene of Hafnarfjörður with its passion for baking and created an important meeting place for the town's residents.

Dalakofanum and Súfistinn were awarded honorary and thank-you awards by the Marketing Bureau for decades of work in Hafnarfjörður.

„The Marketing Office of Hafnarfjörður annually organises the Company of the Year award to honour businesses that have excelled in promoting economic life and the town's character in Hafnarfjörður. The aim is to highlight the excellent work being done within the town and to encourage continued development and innovation in its business community,“ the announcement states.

„The Marketing Bureau of Hafnarfjörður sincerely congratulates Bæjarbíó on its well-deserved recognition and thanks all the nominated companies for their invaluable contribution to the community. We would also like to thank the judging panel for their work.".

•  The judging panel consisted of: John Egilsson – Chairman of the board of MSH and owner of Von Harðfiskverkun, Bjarni Lúðvíksson – Director of MSH and owner of Reykjavik Asian, Geirþrúður Guttormsdóttir – Owner and Managing Director of Betri stofan, Ingvi Einar Ingvason – Owner of Mars media and Guðrún María Guðmundsdóttir – Marketing Manager of Fjarda.

Town Cinema, founded in 1945, is the oldest operating cinema in the country and has, over the years, evolved into a comprehensive cultural centre. With a diverse programme, it has made an invaluable contribution to the culture and community of Hafnarfjörður. It has been a platform for artists in all fields, enlivening the town centre with events that appeal to all age groups.

Hafnarfjörður warmly congratulates all the nominees, the honoured companies, and Bæjarbíó on this wonderful honour.