Reference

Food industry & food manufacturers in Thuringia

What do the high-quality Thuringian Rostbratwurst and Brandt Zwieback have in common? They are both produced in Thuringia. And there are good reasons for this: because here, customer proximity, tradition, and cost-efficient production can be uniquely combined.

Central location in Europe

Successful companies

Location rooted in tradition

Skilled workers and training

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overview

Thuringia enjoys an excellent reputation in food production. For years, the sector has been among the top-performing industries in the state in terms of revenue. The industry is characterized by flexible, medium-sized companies that benefit from Thuringia's strong reputation as a source of first-class food products. The Free State actively expands this advantage for Thuringian food products: it engages in agricultural marketing, ensures the protection of geographical indications, and awards the "Certified Quality – Thuringia" seal of approval.

Data and facts

approximately 450 Companies
approximately 24,300 Employees in companies with 20 or more employees
over 4 billion euros Sales volume
geographical proximity to markets with high purchasing power
specialized Research institutions
committed Network structures

Product focus

Meat and sausage products
Fruit and vegetable processing
confectionery
Bread and baked goods
Frozen products
Milk processing
Production of seasonings and sauces
Soft drinks and mineral waters
Breweries
Wine and spirits

Skilled workers, R&D and companies

skilled workers
The industrial production of food increasingly requires highly qualified specialists. But specialists are also needed for traditional production methods. Thuringia offers a wide range of educational opportunities, enabling companies to 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
Initial and continuing education
Skilled workers in Thuringia receive a sound 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 College for Agriculture, Stadtroda
- Technical school for horticulture, Erfurt
Furthermore, there are many other training centers for agricultural professions throughout Thuringia. The Employment Agency finances targeted training courses for job-seeking skilled workers, tailored to the company's requirements. Further information is available from the Employers' Association for Food and Beverages Thuringia e. V.
Research and Development
In Thuringia, collaboration between industry and science is highly valued in the food sector. 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, Focus areas: Horticulture and Logistics
- Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, Sensory laboratory
- Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Großbeeren/Erfurt e. V.
- Research Center for Medical Technology and Biotechnology e. V., Bad Langensalza
- PHARMAPLANT Medicinal and Spice Plant Research and Seed Breeding GmbH, Artern
Other industry-specific institutions
Thuringian Nutrition Network eV.
With support from the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, companies have joined forces to Thuringian Food Network The newly founded association has joined forces. Besides representing the interests of the industry, it serves as an interface for knowledge and technology transfer between research and business. Together, the companies are working to create a strong image for the Thuringian food industry and are conquering new markets with coordinated marketing strategies to secure long-term employment and growth for the sector.
Selected companies
August Storck KG
Storck's third German production site was built in Ohrdruf 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 continuously being expanded.
Ospelt food GmbH
As a leading manufacturer of private label pizzas, the Liechtenstein-based company produces frozen pizzas for every taste in Apolda. The selection is constantly expanding, and a state-of-the-art, fully automated high-bay freezer warehouse ensures customer deliveries 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. This location serves to meet growing demand and reflects 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 been setting new technical standards in pastry production: The site is one of the most modern in Europe and houses both the information center 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 sells its products worldwide. More than 15 years ago, the company relocated its main production to Ohrdruf to take advantage of Thuringia's locational benefits.
Viba sweets GmbH
The long-established company, based in Floh-Seligenthal, produces confectionery and is the German market leader in nougat. For several years now, visitors have been able to experience the brand in a representative nougat world in Schmalkalden.
Kaufland Fleischwaren Heiligenstadt GmbH & Co. KG
The new Kaufland meat processing plant in Heilbad Heiligenstadt, employing over 600 people, opened approximately five years ago. This modern facility produces around 250 meat and sausage specialties, which are then distributed to over 630 Kaufland stores nationwide.
Other selected companies
- ABLIG Fine Frost GmbH, Heichelheim
- Aromatique GmbH spirits factory, Neudietendorf
- ARYZTA AG, Nordhausen
- Born Mustard & Delicatessen GmbH, Erfurt
- The Thuringian – Meat and Sausage Specialties Rainer Wagner GmbH, Dornheim
- DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH, Erfurt
- Bon Pasta GmbH, Erfurt
- Fuchs Spices GmbH, Schönbrunn Palace
- Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei GmbH, Bad Köstritz
- Lay Spices OHG Spice & Food TechnologyQueienfeld
- Mühlhäuser GmbH, Mühlhausen
- Nordbrand Nordhausen GmbH, Nordhausen
- Sauels AG, Arnstadt, Barchfeld
- Stollwerck GmbH, Saalfeld plant
- Thüringer Waldquell Mineralbrunnen GmbH, Schmalkalden