The Thuringian Hidden Champions campaign has recently recognized Astaxa GmbH, based in Ritschenhausen near Meiningen, as its newest member. Through this campaign, the Free State of Thuringia and its state development agency (LEG Thüringen) honor global market and technology leaders located in the region. Astaxa GmbH can now call itself one of these "champions." Representatives from LEG Thüringen visited the company headquarters to present the certificate of appointment. The Ritschenhausen-based company is part of the Salzbrücke Competence Center and, as such, a major player in its sector. It is the European market leader in the processing of dried plant-based raw materials into high-quality products for the food industry and wholesalers.
Founded in 2006, Astaxa GmbH is the leading European manufacturer of pre-cooked pulses. Their innovative products are dried pulses that are ready to eat, clearly distinguishing them from conventional canned or jarred products. The company's expertise encompasses a wide range of processes, from germ reduction and cleaning to storage protection, cutting, mixing, sieving, compacting, roasting, pre-cooking, and grinding. Furthermore, the company utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as a particularly gentle infrared germ reduction process and specialized refining processes for dried plant-based raw materials. Astaxa holds the patent for a mobile photobioreactor made of glass tubes, which cultivates microalgae in hygienically closed tube systems.
The product range includes pulses such as lentils, peas, beans, and chickpeas, as well as dried herbs, tea, dried fruits, mushrooms, and vegetables. Through innovation and development, a former horticultural business has evolved into an established food group that is now active both regionally and globally. The company makes a significant contribution to sustainable soil improvement through contract farming, strengthens regional agriculture, and expands its portfolio with regionally produced raw materials.
There are currently 65 employees at the Ritschenhausen site.
Background:
Thuringia operates at the forefront of the world – with high-performing medium-sized companies that have achieved either market leadership or technology leadership through innovative products and services as well as leading technologies.
Nearly one hundred such Thuringian companies rank among the best in their respective fields on the global market. The Free State of Thuringia aims to increase the visibility of these hidden champions through its campaign, not least to raise Thuringia's profile as a place to live and work.
Further information can be found at: https://www.hidden-champions-thuringia.de/
