Food industry & food manufacturers in Thuringia

The industrial production of food requires an increasing use of highly qualified specialists. However, specialists are also needed for traditional production. Thuringia offers a wide range of educational opportunities here, so that companies can quickly find qualified personnel.

Academic education

Currently, almost 3,000 students are enrolled in one of the following degree programs related to the food industry:

• Nutritional Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena 
• Chemical Biology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• Molecular Life Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena Erfurt
• Biotechnology, Ernst-Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
• Horticultural plant cultivation, Erfurt University of Applied Sciences

Training and further education

In Thuringia, skilled workers receive a solid theoretical and practical education. Training networks, vocational training institutions, and universities work closely together here. The following educational institutions focus on the specialized fields of food industry and horticulture:

• State Vocational School for Economics, Administration and Nutrition, Weimar
• Technical School for Agricultural Economics, Stadtroda
• School of Horticulture, Erfurt

In addition, there are many other training facilities for agricultural professions throughout Thuringia. For job-seeking professionals, the Federal Employment Agency funds targeted training tailored to the company's requirements. Further information is provided by the Employers' Association for Food and Beverage Thuringia e. V.

In Thuringia, collaboration between industry and science in the food sector is highly valued. Specialized partners are available for R&D projects.

Selected research service providers

• Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Nutritional Sciences
• Erfurt University of Applied Sciences, focuses on horticulture and logistics
• Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, Sensor Laboratory
• Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Großbeeren/Erfurt e. V.
• Research Center for Medical Technology and Biotechnology e. V., Bad Langensalza
• PHARMAPLANT Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research and Seed Breeding GmbH, Artern

Other industry-specific institutions

• Thuringian Teaching, Testing and Experimental Farm GmbH, Buttelstedt
• Thuringian State Office for Agriculture and Rural Areas, Jena
• Professional Association for Agriculture, Food, and Environment e. V., Jena

Thuringian Food Network e.V.

Supported by the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, companies have joined together to form the  Thuringian Food Network.  have joined forces. In addition to representing the interests of the industry, the newly founded association serves as an interface for knowledge and technology transfer between research and companies. Together, the companies work to strengthen the image of the Thuringian food industry and conquer new markets with coordinated marketing strategies to secure long-term employment and growth in the sector.

August Storck KG
In Ohrdruf, the third German Storck production site was built in record time. The plant is state-of-the-art, primarily designed for the production of chocolate specialties (e.g., the well-known brands MERCI and Knoppers) and is being continuously expanded.

Ospelt food GmbH
As a leading manufacturer of private labels, the company from Liechtenstein produces frozen pizzas for every taste in Apolda. The selection is constantly increasing, and a state-of-the-art, fully automated frozen high-bay warehouse ensures customer delivery according to the FIFO principle.

Dr. Schär Deutschland GmbH
The South Tyrolean company is the European market leader in gluten-free products and operates a production facility in Apolda. The location serves to meet growing demand and the company's principle of producing close to the market and in a decentralized manner.

Griesson - de Beukelaer GmbH & Co. KG
Since the opening of the plant in Kahla, Griesson - de Beukelaer has set new technical standards in biscuit production: The site is one of the most modern in Europe and also houses the InfoCenter and the administration.

Brandt Zwieback-Schokoladen GmbH + Co. KG
The Brandt Group employs more than 800 people at four locations in Germany. With a market share of over 80%, Brandt is the market leader in Germany and distributes its products worldwide. More than 15 years ago, the company relocated its main production to Ohrdruf to take advantage of Thuringia's location benefits.

Viba sweets GmbH
The traditional company based in Floh-Seligenthal manufactures confectionery and is the German market leader for nougat. For several years, visitors have been able to experience the brand in a representative Nougat World in Schmalkalden.

Kaufland Fleischwaren Heiligenstadt GmbH & Co. KG
About five years ago, the new Kaufland meat plant in Heilbad Heiligenstadt was commissioned, creating over 600 jobs. In this modern meat plant, around 250 meat and sausage specialties are produced and delivered nationwide to over 630 Kaufland branches.

Other selected companies

• ABLIG Feinfrost GmbH, Heichelheim
• Aromatique GmbH Spirituosenfabrik, Neudietendorf
• ARYZTA AG, Nordhausen
• Born Senf & Feinkost GmbH, Erfurt
• Die Thüringer – Fleisch- und Wurstspezialitäten Rainer Wagner GmbH, Dornheim
• DMK German Dairy Association GmbH, Erfurt
• Bon Pasta GmbH, Erfurt
• Fuchs Gewürze GmbH, Werk Schönbrunn
• Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei GmbH, Bad Köstritz
• Lay Spices OHG Spice & Food Technology, Queienfeld
• Mühlhäuser GmbH, Mühlhausen
• Nordbrand Nordhausen GmbH, Nordhausen
• Sauels AG, Arnstadt, Barchfeld
• Stollwerck GmbH, Werk Saalfeld
• Thüringer Waldquell Mineralbrunnen GmbH, Schmalkalden