-
€299.99 Incl. VAT
Our list of the largest food companies in Germany provides you with comprehensive insights into the most important players in the German food industry. In addition to current revenue and employee figures, you will also find valuable information on industry focus, executives, and contact details. The data is conveniently available as an Excel file for direct download.
Summary
The highest-revenue German food company (as of 2025, based on the most recent available 2023 annual reports and the exclusive ResearchGermany analysis of the food market) is Südzucker AG with €10,289 million in revenue. Following behind are the dairy groups around Molkerei Alois Müller and Molkerei Weihenstephan (each €9,199 million). The Oetker Group reported €6,911 million in its 2023 consolidated statements.
Why Südzucker is at the Top
- Highest reported revenue 2023: With €10,289 million, Südzucker is clearly ahead of major competitors such as Müller/Weihenstephan (each €9,199 million) and the Oetker Group (€6,911 million).
- Broad value chain & economies of scale: The portfolio includes sugar as well as other food and ingredients divisions. Integration along the agricultural and food chain enables efficiency and stable revenue contributions.
- Resilience in the 2023 market environment: Despite cost and inflationary pressures, Südzucker managed to maintain and partly expand revenue at a high level – an advantage compared to more consumption-sensitive categories.
Comparison of Leading German Food Companies (Revenue 2023)
All figures in € million. Order: descending by 2023 revenue. As of 02.09.2025, based on ResearchGermany food company list.
| Ranking | Company | Industry / Business Area | Revenue 2023 | Revenue 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Südzucker AG | Sugar & Food Ingredients | 10,289 | 9,498 |
| 2 | Molkerei Alois Müller GmbH & Co. KG | Dairy Products | 9,199 | 8,810 |
| 3 | Molkerei Weihenstephan GmbH & Co. KG | Dairy Products | 9,199 | 8,810 |
| 4 | Oetker Group (Dr. August Oetker KG, Group) | Branded Food, Beer/Beverages, E-Grocery & IT Services | 6,911 | 6,511 |
| 5 | Tönnies Lebensmittel GmbH & Co. KG | Meat Products | tba | 6,825 |
Assessment of 2023
The food industry in 2023 was marked by inflation, high raw material costs, and changing consumer behavior. While branded suppliers in premium and specialty segments partly lost volumes, price and mix effects as well as economies of scale supported the revenues of large groups. Südzucker particularly benefited from its positioning in staple and ingredients markets, where demand tends to remain comparatively stable even in challenging cycles.
Conclusion
Based on the published 2023 statements, Südzucker AG is in 2025 the highest-revenue German food company. The gap to large dairies as well as to the diversified Oetker Group confirms the importance of scaling, integrated value creation, and portfolio diversification in a volatile market environment.
Sources
- Südzucker AG, Annual Report 2023/24 (Group key figures).
- Exclusive ResearchGermany competitor list of the largest food companies (2023 revenue figures & corporate data).
Image source: Getty Images, 01.09.2025
Last Updated on 5 months ago
