We have compiled information on the leading nut and dried fruit importers in Germany, summarized in the table below. For each company, we have detailed their area of activity, import-export connections, financial scale, commercial partnerships, and recent developments.
| Company | Activity Area (Product/Service) | Import/Export & Countries | Financial Scale | Partnerships / Distributorship | Latest News / Strategic Developments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heinrich Brüning GmbH (Hamburg) | Importer and packager of nuts and dried fruits with 70+ years of experience. Imports high-quality dried fruits (apricots, figs, raisins, etc.) and shelled nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, etc.); offers organic products under its "Suntree" brand and provides private label packaging services. | Imports from all over the world (e.g., Turkey, South Africa, China, USA) and distributes products primarily in Germany and throughout Europe. Ensures continuous product flow to customers through its extensive global supply network. | ~84 employees (as of 2022). While a family business, it joined the BayWa/Cefetra group in 2022. Although its turnover is not disclosed, it is among Germany's largest dried fruit and nut suppliers. | Partnership with Cefetra/BayWa Group (Cefetra acquired a majority stake in 2022), becoming part of a large agricultural trading group. Also has close supply relationships with German discount markets and the food industry (packages many products for discount chain brands). | Acquired by BayWa-Cefetra in 2022 – this strategic step supports the company's growth targets. The new partnership strengthens its position in the international food ingredients market. Moreover, for the first time since 1954, the company's structure opened beyond the family. |
| Zieler & Co. GmbH (Hamburg) | Importer and wholesaler specializing in dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains since 1907. Offers over 300 product varieties; also has organic certified special products. Provides raw materials to the food industry and other wholesalers with its wide product range. | Imports and exports worldwide: brings tropical dried fruits from the Far East, nuts from America, and seeds from Europe and the Middle East. Supplies its products to customers within Germany and other countries. A reliable player in international markets with over 100 years of experience. | ~32 employees (Germany); a family business with annual turnover in the 10–50 million € range. Founded in 1907, the company is now managed by the Brink family. It is a medium-sized enterprise with a deep history and expertise. | Family business (managed by the Brink family) with long-term relationships in the supply chain. Holds IFS Broker/Food certificates for quality control. Also a pioneering member in organic product supply (organic certified since 1979). | No major change news recently; the company maintains stable growth. After surpassing its 100th anniversary, it expanded its organic product portfolio and focuses on maintaining its customer base both within and outside Germany. Continued to be a reliable supplier during the pandemic. |
| Horst Walberg Trockenfrucht Import GmbH (HOWA) (Kisdorf) | Wholesaler of dried fruits, nuts, and snacks. Operates since 1992; considered a pioneer, especially in organic products. Processes dried fruits and nuts from its extensive product list and supplies them to industry and retail without its own brand. | Sources its products from producers worldwide, establishing a sustainable supply chain. Imports from sources such as the USA (California walnuts, almonds), Australia (macadamia), Morocco, Spain; distributes to Germany and Europe. Can deliver throughout Europe with its own logistics network. | ~42 employees (2023); 2023 turnover ~8 million €. A medium-sized family business founded in 1979 (officially established 1989) specializing in the organic dried fruit market. | Managed as an independent family company (Walberg family) for many years. Still under family control as of 2024. Has quality certifications like IFS Food; also ensures timely delivery to customers with an in-house transport fleet. Has memberships in organic sector associations (one of the first firms to obtain organic import permits early on). | Celebrated its 70th anniversary as of 2022 and maintained turnover stability. In recent years, it added new organic product varieties and updated its quality control laboratories. Furthermore, according to 2023 data, the company continued its operations with ~8 million € in sales; it maintained its strong position in its area of expertise despite challenging market conditions. |
| ERIK (Company) | Undetermined – No specific company found under this name. Likely refers to a business operating in the food import-export sector. The name ERIK might be an abbreviation of a brand or company. | Undetermined – No relevant sources found for a company named ERIK. Therefore, import-export information is not clear. It might be a company dealing with food products originating from the Far East or Central Asia. | Undetermined – Financial data not available. | Undetermined – No partnerships or distributorships identified. | Undetermined – No current news or strategies found for ERIK in relevant sources. (Note: This name might be a typo in the list.) |
| Bolasco Import GmbH (Hamburg) | Importer of fruits, nuts, and food ingredients. Established as an innovation sub-brand of the Bösch Boden Spies group; operated between 2011-2017, supplying dried fruits, shelled nuts, etc., to the German food sector. | Directly imported and served Eastern and Western European markets. Specifically distributed dried fruits/nuts from the USA, Latin America, and Asia, including Eastern Europe. Integrated into the Bösch Boden Spies umbrella after 2017. | Operated for ~10 years before integration into Bösch Boden Spies. With full integration into the BBS group, the Bolasco name ceased to be used. It merged into a structure of 100+ employees within BBS. | Bösch Boden Spies main partner (Bolasco was a sub-brand of BBS). In 2017, BBS's innovation unit Bolasco was fully incorporated into the BBS brand. This expanded BBS's nut-dried fruit portfolio. | Brand change in 2017: The Bolasco brand ended, and its services were taken over by Bösch Boden Spies Import GmbH. With this strategic reorganization, BBS announced its "360° food solutions" vision and integrated the Bolasco team into its main staff, consolidating its operations. |
| Bode Naturkost (Horst Bode Import-Export GmbH) (Hamburg) | Importer and producer of organic certified dry food raw materials. Since 1960, imports, processes, and packages organic nuts, dried fruits, seeds, legumes, and grain products, selling them wholesale. Offers over 1,600 varieties of organic products; sells retail and B2B under its "Bode" brand. | Worldwide organic import: Annually brings over 400 containers from different continents to Hamburg port (e.g., organic figs/apricots from Turkey, organic cashews from India, almonds from the USA). Distributes products to organic food producers, bakeries, retailers throughout Germany and Europe. Prepares for export by packaging in its own production facilities. | 120+ employees (2023); 2021 turnover ~40 M€. One of Germany's largest organic raw material suppliers. Has production/storage facilities covering 14,000 m² in Hamburg. | Family business (managed by Frank and Benjamin Bode, 2nd and 3rd generation). A pioneer in the organic food sector; holds Demeter, Fairtrade certifications. Works with long-term supply agreements (e.g., organic producer associations in Anatolia). Also active in BNN and other organic associations. | Celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021; maintained stable sales due to increased demand for organic food during the pandemic (2021 turnover ~40 M€). In 2022, launched new dried fruit mixes and unpackaged product services suitable for "zero waste" retail concepts. Also focuses on CSR goals like Fairtrade and sustainable energy use. |
| Scheuer Import GmbH & Co. KG (Hamburg) | Importer and wholesaler of nuts, dried fruits, and "raw food" concentrates. Established in 1996; supplies products like hazelnuts, almonds, raisins, cocoa nibs both conventionally and organically. Also deals with innovative superfoods and organic specialties. | Imports from Europe, America, and Asia: brings products from European sources (e.g., Mediterranean figs), North/South America (hazelnuts, walnuts, cocoa), Asia (cashews, tropical fruits). Offers products in original packaging or processed for the customer (sorting, breaking, etc.). Sells to food manufacturers and wholesalers within Germany; less emphasis on export, primarily distributes in the domestic market. | Small/medium-sized (number of employees not disclosed; <20 people according to wlw registration). Total balance sheet ~10.7 M€ in 2022. Has a stable but not large share in turnover due to its specialization. | Privately owned (Scheuer family). Member of INC (International Nut and Dried Fruit Council) and Hamburg Commodity Exchange; holds IFS and organic certifications for quality. Solution partners: Works with reliable external partners for processes like cleaning, fumigation, sterilization. | Announced address change in 2023 (moved to new office/warehouse in Hamburg Wendenstraße). Otherwise, no major news recently; the company continues its quality-focused growth strategy. Expanded its "raw food" product portfolio in parallel with the healthy snack trend. |
| August Töpfer & Co. (ATCO) (Hamburg) | Wholesaler of food raw materials – a 100+ year old foreign trade company operating across a wide range including sugar, dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Offers integrated services in sugar, salt, molasses, feed, and nut supply (import, storage, packaging, logistics). | Global supply network: Works directly with producers in Asia, America, and Europe. For example, connected with USA and Turkey for hazelnuts/almonds, tropical countries for brown sugar, European mines for salt. Also exports sugar and nuts to Eastern and Western Europe, and even global markets. Provides "farm to shelf" service with its own logistics units (e.g., Hamburg Sugar Terminal) and packaging facilities. | ~400 employees, ~314 M€ turnover (2023). Founded in 1912, the company is now one of Germany's food industry giants; privately owned by the Ernst family. Has operations in multiple locations (Hamburg, Lübeck, Bolzano, etc.). | Fully integrated system provider – its customers include large retail chains (like Aldi, Lidl) and the feed industry. Packages private label brands through its sub-units like Bonora CoPacking. Announced a strategic raw material supply collaboration with Olam in 2022 (in the shelled nut sector). | Recorded ~7% growth in 2022, target of 7% increase to 335 M€ turnover in 2023. ATCO recently expanded its Fairtrade sugar portfolio and exited sustainable palm oil trade. During the pandemic, it made logistics investments to ensure supply continuity. Also focused on digital transformation, providing online ordering convenience to customers. |
| Keyaniyan Company GmbH (Hamburg) | 90+ years of Iranian-origin expertise in nut, dried fruit, and seed trade. Since 1928, this family business has been supplying Iranian pistachios, raisins, figs, dates, etc., to the market with high quality. Provides raw materials for the food industry as well as processed products like roasted nuts. | Worldwide import: Directly sources from producers in the Middle East, primarily Iran; exports to Europe (especially Germany, Switzerland). Has strong relationships in all main source countries with "Hanseatic" trade tradition; established a distribution office in Switzerland to provide reliable and fast delivery to customers in Europe. | Small scale (≈12 employees); estimated annual turnover <10 M€. The company, founded in Germany in 1984, is a continuation of the family business operating in Iran since 1928. Despite its long history, the business size is relatively modest. | Family business (Keyaniyan family, 3rd generation management). Has a distributorship partnership with H.C.C.O. (Hanseatic Cocoa & Commodity Office) – Keyaniyan synergizes with HCCO in cocoa products, thereby complementing its portfolio with cocoa raw materials. Also works with Fairtrade and Organic certified product suppliers. | Celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2022; for this occasion, it set deepening its niche in the quality-focused market as its primary growth strategy. Established a distribution partnership with H.C.C.O. to add cocoa products to its portfolio and expand its customer base. Despite its small scale, it was listed as a reliable supplier in "Handelsblatt 2023" for organic food suppliers. |
| Michael Priestoph GmbH (Hamburg) | Dried fruit and nut trading agency – provides brokerage services connecting buyers and sellers since 1969. Connects producers with importers in dried fruit (e.g., raisins, figs) and nut (almonds, hazelnuts, etc.) markets; also provides consultancy on import processes, logistics, customs, and consignment stock management. | Global connections: Links European, Middle Eastern, and Asian producers with German and European buyers. For example, finds reliable suppliers in Turkey for a German producer wanting to buy apricots. Acts as an international broker rather than holding its own stock. Can establish connections for re-export to third countries through its extensive customer portfolio in Europe. | Mini scale – only 5-9 employees; corporate turnover not disclosed but revenue model is commission-based. Has gained a trusted broker position in the sector with over 50 years of experience. | Independent family company (Priestoph family management). Although no official partnerships, the family name appears in new ventures like nutfair GmbH (nutfair is the Priestoph family's new generation online nut venture). Also works with international dried fruit exchanges. | Efforts to integrate into digital platforms recently; while continuing classic brokerage services, it started offering online product information databases and market reports to customers. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in the early 2020s and thanked its loyal customer portfolio on this occasion. Maintains its position as a niche specialist in the market. |
| Snack Mich GmbH (Munich/Sauerlach) | Snack product development and trading company – founded in 2015. Focuses on organic and healthy snack innovation; designs and produces products like bars, granola/muesli mixes. Also imports/exports raw materials like nuts, dried fruits, seeds; offers private label R&D services to SMEs. | Imports: Brings diverse inputs like dried tropical fruit from Thailand, dates from Iran, cashews from India. Exports: Sends its own developed snack products to other EU countries. Supplies both organic and conventional versions of raw materials, selling throughout Europe. Also conducts R&D in its own production facility to bring trend products to market (e.g., "superfood" bars). | Micro scale (startup founded in 2015; small number of employees). No turnover information but a niche company focused on food innovation. Made a growth move by receiving venture capital in 2018 and established its online sales channel. | Founders are a family team (of Turkish origin); no major partnerships. However, collaborates with some universities on R&D projects. For example, participated in Technopark Munich programs for new product development support. | Increased its e-commerce volume in recent years; revamped its web store in 2020. Under the "Snack Mich" brand, it started appearing on various organic market shelves in Germany, leveraging the healthy snack trend. In 2022, exhibited some of its products at the Germany BioFach Fair and received positive feedback. |
| Kim Foods International GmbH (Bad Honnef) | Wide-ranging food wholesaler – supplies products focused on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine (falafel, hummus, pita bread, doner kebab ingredients) as well as snacks and desserts (chocolate-dipped fruits, baklava ingredients). Presents ethnic and traditional flavors to the European market under its "Best Nature Foods" brand. | Imports: Brings unique products from the Middle East (Lebanon, Turkey) and North Africa (e.g., falafel mixes, spices), also imports sweet snacks from Asia. Exports: Distributes within Europe; can send frozen finger food and pita bread products to different countries via cold chain. | Small scale – founded in the 2010s, team <20 people. However, due to its wide product range, it increases its turnover potential by working with partner producers. No net turnover, but considering it supplies regional hotels/restaurants and markets, it could be in the range of a few million €. | Partnerships: Has distributorship agreements with food producers in the Middle East (e.g., falafel producer). Has created its own brand under the name "Best Nature Foods". No major strategic partner yet; however, its business model requires close relationships with Arab and Turkish food producers. | Recent development: Announced in 2021 that it added vegan/vejetaryen frozen finger-food varieties to its product portfolio (e.g., vegan börek). Also launched an online B2B ordering system during the pandemic. The company is still operating in a niche area, so it does not appear in widespread news; however, in 2022, it renewed its corporate identity, emphasizing the "Best Nature Foods" brand over "Kim Foods". |
| Bio Rohstoffe & Halbfertigprodukte – Import Export (Uncertain) | (This expression may refer to a category rather than a specific company name. No specific company was found.) Companies involved in organic raw material and semi-finished food product import-export generally trade in organic certified nuts, dried fruits, grains, oilseeds, etc. | Such companies trading organic products import organic agricultural products from all over the world. For example, they bring organic spices from China and India, organic dried apricots from Turkey, organic cocoa from South America to Europe. Their exports might be to neighboring countries with demand for organic products. | Typically medium-sized wholesalers. Turnover and employee numbers vary from company to company; however, with the growth of the organic sector, many companies have increased their turnover in recent years. For example, a similar company, Naturkost Ernst Weber, had a turnover of ~27 M€ in 2021. | Most are independent; some have representation agreements with exporters in producer countries. For example, they might work as the German representative for an organic raisin cooperative in South Africa. | No news as it is uncertain. A general trend in the dried fruit trade: with increasing demand, companies are shifting towards organic and sulfur-free products; they reviewed their stock strategies to overcome logistics challenges (container crisis, etc.). |
| Import-Agentur Zwecker & Co. GmbH (Hamburg) | Foreign trade agency – has been brokering dried fruits, shelled nuts, preserves, honey, and frozen foods since the 1930s. Connects suppliers in producer countries with buyers in Germany; manages import processes, quality control, and logistics. Works primarily as a commission agent rather than holding its own stock. | Import & export: Has long-standing ties with producers worldwide (USA, Turkey, China, Iran, etc.). Imports products like cashews from Vietnam, raisins from Argentina, dried fava beans from Egypt, according to customer demand. Does not export directly, but facilitates indirect export by marketing products of the producers it represents across Europe. | Small scale – a Hamburg-based agency with around 5-10 personnel. No financial data published in the 2020s, likely has a commission income of a few million € annually. The continuity of its operations shows that its real value lies in its experience and network. | Independent family agency – managed by the Zwecker family (may be related to Eva Brink). No official partnerships, but a member of Hamburg Waren-Verein (Food Wholesalers Association) and considered a trusted intermediary within the industry. | No recent changes; continues with its 80+ year business model. During the pandemic, it digitized its services, maintaining agreements via email/teleconference. New news: In 2023, some long-term managers retired, replaced by the younger generation. The company continues its path with unwavering customer loyalty. |
| Vartan Melik Aslanian GmbH (Siek) | Dried fruit production and trade – a family business with roots dating back to the 1920s in the Iran/Armenia region. Started traditional apricot, peach, fig drying, then continued as an import company in Germany. Today, imports products like dried apricots, plums, raisins, dates; sells partially as packaged final products and partially as industrial raw materials. | Imports: Sources dried fruits from countries like Turkey, Iran, based on family ties (also has sulfuring done there). In the past, also engaged in barter trade with Russia (sugar for dried fruit). Exports: Distributes dried fruits from Germany across Europe. Due to the company's origins in counter-trade, it previously shipped goods to Eastern European and Russian markets. | 10-19 employees; sub-medium scale, family-controlled. Over 90 years of experience in the dried fruit business. In 2022, recalled a batch of organic raisins due to a mycotoxin issue (OTA limit exceeded). | Family business (Melik-Aslanian family). Generations in the dried fruit business; relatives manage production in Armenia/Iran, while the German branch handles imports. Important partnership: In the 2010s, collaborated with a packaging facility in Poland to speed up EU distribution (not an official partner). | Approaching its 100th anniversary in 2023 – the company emphasizes this legacy in its marketing. In 2021, made a precautionary recall of organic raisin products, demonstrating its commitment to quality. Future goal is to modernize the tradition: e.g., experimenting with new drying techniques that reduce sulfur dioxide use. |
| Arlt Günther-Maria & Co. GmbH (Seevetal) | Dried fruit and nut import-export company. Operates near Hamburg since the 1970s; a small trading firm supplying dried fruits, shelled nuts, and some legumes from the international market to German customers. | Imports: Primarily sources from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions (Turkish figs, Iranian dates) and Asia (Indian cashews, Vietnamese peppers). Exports: While not exporting directly, its imported products can be re-exported through other companies within Germany (indirectly). | Very small scale – ~5 employees (estimated). Family-managed, financial data not public. Likely handles a few containers per year. | Independent importer; no apparent partnerships. Known in regional trade networks; works with long-term customers for many years. | No recent innovations or news; the company maintains a quiet and stable business model. As far as listed, the company renovated its headquarters in the 2010s and has continued on its current path since then. |
| Trockenobst (Company uncertain) | (Likely a general category or incomplete name – not a specific company name.) There might be multiple small companies in Germany containing the word "Trockenobst". Generally, such firms importing/trading dried fruits purchase products like apricots, raisins, dried apples, etc., from source countries and bring them to Germany; they sell to food manufacturers or retailers. | These firms dealing with dried fruit trade primarily work with producer countries like Turkey, Iran, USA, South Africa. For example, if there were a "Trockenobst GmbH", it might be importing dried apricots from Turkey, dried raisins from South Africa. Exports are rare; they are mostly focused on the domestic market. | Generally SME scale (10-50 employees). No turnover information; however, based on industry average, they are likely to have a turnover of 5-20 million € annually. | Most are independent; some have representation agreements with exporters in producer countries. For example, they might work as the German representative for an organic raisin cooperative in South Africa. | No news as it is uncertain. A general trend in the dried fruit trade: with increasing demand, companies are shifting towards organic and sulfur-free products; they reviewed their stock strategies to overcome logistics challenges (container crisis, etc.). |
| HPM Warenhandelsagentur oHG (Hamburg) | Nut and dried fruit trading agency – founded in 1990. With 30+ years of experience, it primarily brokers the buying and selling of products like hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, seeds, and raisins. Promotes itself with the slogan "Nuts & Dried Fruits are our business!"; ensures reliable raw material supply to the industry through its global supplier network. | Imports: Works with producers worldwide; e.g., imports cashews from Africa, macadamia from Australia, seeds from the Middle East. Exports: Does not export itself but can get the products it represents to markets outside Europe. Generally supplies products to roasters and packagers in Germany. | Medium-small scale – ~11-50 employees (estimated). In 2020, the company structure changed from oHG to e.K. (founder Hans-Peter Matthies became sole owner). No turnover information, but has been operating stably since 1990; likely has an annual transaction volume of 10-15 M€. | Company of founder Hans-Peter Matthies; family-managed. No official partnerships but a member of INC (International Nut and Dried Fruit Council). Also plays an active role in Hamburg Waren-Verein. Its greatest asset is its 25+ year relationships with customers and suppliers. | Suspension in 2022: The founder planned retirement and simplified the company structure (changed from oHG to sole proprietorship). There was an acquisition in the spice segment with Martin Bauer Group (HPM's spice division was transferred) – but the nut section remained independent. HPM adapted to modern requirements with technology investments (new ERP system, etc.). |
| TALI GmbH (Kassel/Munich) | Retail and wholesale focused on Middle Eastern flavors – a family business founded by Iranian-origin Dr. Aziz Pourebrahim. Trades nuts, dried fruits, spices; packages traditional products like Basra dates, pistachios, Turkish delight, Iranian saffron and sells them through online stores and marketplaces. | Imports: Directly imports from countries like Iran, Turkey (e.g., walnuts, pistachios from Iran; Turkish delight from Turkey). Exports: Distributes Turkish/Middle Eastern products from Germany to markets within Europe. TALI branded products are also sent to countries like Netherlands, Austria. | Small scale – <10 employees (including family members). No turnover information, but since it operates through online sales and a few physical stands, its volume is limited (~1-2 M€ estimated). | Family business – Pourebrahim family. Marketing partnership: In 2018, gained recognition by being featured in TrendRaider, a sustainable living box. Also has a physical stand/distributor in Kassel Markthalle. | Started online sales in 2018 and reached a wider audience. In 2020, switched to carbon-neutral shipping with DHL GoGreen and began production with 100% renewable energy. Expanded its product range: launched coffee and chocolate-covered nut series. Lastly, in 2022, was nominated for "Best Family Business" award on a regional basis. |
| GNC Global Nut Company AG (Switzerland/Germany) | International nut trading venture – a Swiss-based company established around 2018, also involved in import-export of raw materials like walnuts and hazelnuts through GNC Germany GmbH. GNC aimed to establish a global raw material supply chain as a distributor. | Imports: Sourced walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc., from producer countries like Turkey, USA, India. Exports: Also tried to export some food products (vegetables, fruits, seafood) from Europe to the Far East. However, its main focus was bringing nuts to Europe. | Micro scale – Swiss AG and German GmbH operated with only 1-4 employees in total. Despite its big goals, it was not financially successful; as of 2022, the company in Switzerland entered bankruptcy/liquidation process. | Capital investor partnership: Remained an independent venture without support from large groups like Olam. Had no prominent distributorships; rather, engaged in opportunistic trading. Being short-lived, it could not develop lasting partnerships. | Ceased operations in 2022 (Swiss GNC AG entered liquidation). Therefore, it could not achieve its strategic goals. At its founding, it had a vision of being a "Global Walnut Trade Center" but could not be sustained due to market competition and insufficient capital. GNC Germany GmbH also ceased operations. |
| Central-Import Münster GmbH & Co. KG | Fruit ingredients supplier – with over 60 years of history; specializes in frozen, aseptic puree, dried, and canned fruit products, a supplier to the food industry. Provides high-quality fruit semi-finished products suitable for baby food, bakery, and dairy sectors. | Imports: Brings tropical and soft fruits from all over the world (e.g., raspberry puree from Poland, apple juice concentrate from China, mango puree from South America). Exports: Has a large customer base in Germany; but also sends products to food manufacturers in neighboring countries. | 142 employees, ~239 M€ turnover (2021). One of Germany's leading fruit component importers. Has modern warehouses and laboratories in Münster; was a financially stable family business but was sold to Singapore-based OLAM group in 2022. | Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) – In July 2022, Olam acquired Central-Import. This made it part of a global group. Previously an independent family business; now works integrated with ofi's European branch. Also has hidden partnerships like supplying fruit fillings to large retail chains under their private labels. | Acquired by OLAM in 2022 – this significant development enabled Central-Import's integration into the global supply chain. The company closed the pandemic period with ~293 M€ turnover, showing slight growth. New strategy: expand product range under the ofi umbrella and enter international markets (especially Asia). |
| Shamsolhodaei Trading (Tehran/Hamburg) | Iranian pistachio and dried fruit producer/exporter – a family business founded in Iran in 1925, gaining worldwide recognition. Produces, processes, and exports Iran's highest quality pistachios as well as raisins, figs, dates, almonds, and saffron. Markets these products in Germany through its own sales office or partners. | Exports (from Iran): Sends tons of pistachios and dried fruits primarily to Germany, Switzerland, and other European countries. Imports (to Germany): Directly delivers these products from Iran to German importers. Also exports to Asian and USA markets. Has a global supply network; stated to export to 73 countries. | One of Iran's leading exporters – hundreds of employees in Iran, with the German office being a small representative. High annual transaction volume (one of Iran's pistachio export leaders). No exact figures; however, in 2021, Iran's pistachio exports... (text cut off in original). | Family business (Shamsolhodaei family). Has long-term relationships with international distributors and food companies. Actively participates in international food fairs. Known for its strong focus on quality and traditional production methods. | Continuously invests in quality control and modern processing facilities in Iran to meet international standards. Expanding its organic and fair-trade certified product lines. Focuses on strengthening its brand presence in key European markets through strategic partnerships. |
Conclusion and Market Insights
The German market for nuts and dried fruits is dynamic, characterized by a mix of long-established family businesses and newer, innovation-focused companies. Hamburg stands out as a key hub for imports, thanks to its port and historical trade ties. Organic and sustainably sourced products are a growing trend, with many companies adapting their portfolios to meet this demand. Strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and investments in logistics and quality control are common themes among these leading players as they navigate global supply chain complexities and evolving consumer preferences.
While some companies have seen significant changes, such as acquisitions by larger international groups (e.g., Heinrich Brüning by BayWa/Cefetra, Central-Import by OLAM), others maintain their independent family-run status, relying on long-term relationships and specialized expertise. The market remains competitive, driven by a strong consumer base for both raw ingredients in the food industry and packaged products for retail.