Food Industry in Germany's true north

Key sectors in Schleswig-Holstein include the fish, dairy, and confectionery industries, each fueling the region's strong, export-driven economy. Over half of the sweets produced here are exported, underscoring the global reach of Schleswig-Holstein’s food sector. The industry is a unique blend of tradition and innovation, where companies consistently create new, high-quality products in response to evolving market demands. Northern Germany’s food industry thrives on a foundation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Alongside a few large companies, numerous SMEs operate successfully across the value chain, contributing to the sector’s dynamism and resilience. Additionally, Schleswig-Holstein’s food sector benefits from close connections with other industries, including machinery,...

Professional networks like foodRegio e.V. in Lübeck and the Competence Network for the Food Industry in Kiel actively promote knowledge exchange and foster collaboration across the food industry, creating valuable opportunities for companies and investors seeking to connect and grow in Schleswig-Holstein. FoodRegio is an initiative led by businesses and food science institutions in Northern Germany, with a strong focus on the Lübeck region. Founded in 2005, foodRegio represents more than 35,000 employees across 89 member companies and institutions, spanning all five northern German states. Its mission is clear: to establish Northern Germany as a central hub in the global food economy, driving growth and innovation throughout the region’s food sector. For investors, foodRegio provides an...

Schleswig-Holstein is dedicated to shaping the future of the food industry by nurturing the next generation of talent. With nearly 3,000 students and around 6,000 apprentices currently pursuing careers in this sector, the region ensures a continuous flow of skilled professionals. The werde-foodstarter.de initiative plays a key role in this effort by promoting training opportunities and preparing the specialists of tomorrow in food production. For companies looking to stay ahead, foodRegio offers specialized training programs that are open to all businesses in the northern German food industry, regardless of their membership in the network. This ensures broad access to the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving food sector. In Schleswig-Holstein, the future of the...

Schleswig-Holstein is a dynamic and forward-thinking region, setting the standard in research and development within the food industry. With cutting-edge institutions like the Center for Analytical Technology Transfer in Biotechnology and Food Innovation (ZAiT) at Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, the Competence Center for Dairy at the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel (CAU), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology (IMTE) in Lübeck, the region offers a thriving ecosystem for innovation. These world-class institutions drive breakthroughs in everything from sensory analysis of food products to sustainable food production through biotechnology. They ensure that Schleswig-Holstein stays at the forefront of the food sector, making it an ideal...