What we do

We offer business development, interim management and strategic advice for organisations entering the farming, food and life sciences industries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH).

We conduct market research and find potential customers or distribution partners. We find people, set up team structures and create tangible results. We support with product registration, marketing and PR.

Our clients come from animal health, horticulture, brewing, biotech, analytics, trading, fin-tech and IT around the globe. Our services reach from first steps to full establishment and expansion, including neighbouring markets, greater Europe the Middle East and Africa.

Contact

Scoping

Positioning

spandern-workshop

Scale Up

Market insights

The food and agribusiness sector in the DACH region represents a significant portion of the regional economy. Germany stands out as the largest contributor, with its agribusiness sector playing a pivotal role not just domestically, but also in the broader European context. The total value of this sector in Germany is estimated to range between €200 and €225 billion annually, with the agricultural sector contributing around €55 to €60 billion. The food and beverage industry alone generates more than €170 billion in turnover, highlighting Germany’s importance in food production and processing, both for local consumption and export markets.

Austria’s agribusiness, while smaller, is nonetheless vital to its economy. The sector is estimated to be worth approximately €24 to €28 billion per year. The agricultural sector in Austria contributes about €8 to €9 billion, with the food and beverage industry accounting for €15 to €18 billion in turnover. Austria’s focus on sustainability and organic farming also gives its agribusiness a unique profile within the region.

Switzerland, although the smallest of the three countries in terms of both land area and population, has a strong food and agribusiness sector that is highly specialized. The sector’s total value is estimated to be between €12 and €15 billion annually. Agriculture in Switzerland contributes around €4 to €5 billion, while the food and beverage industry brings in roughly €10 to €11 billion. Swiss agribusiness is known for its focus on high-quality products, often tailored to niche markets.

In total, the food and agribusiness sector across the DACH region is valued between €236 and €268 billion annually (excluding revenues by commodity trading), making it a critical player in the European food supply chain. This vast sector encompasses everything from agricultural production to food processing, distribution, and retail. It is a key driver of economic activity.

Work with us!

We plough and sow. You harvest.

  • Get the easy way in.
  • Get local appearance instantly.
  • Get access to key players and decision makers.

With a deep and lively network in production, trade, politics and academia we transparently conquer the market for you. 

With no lag-time your business kicks off and opens the floor for further strategies.

Commodities

Farming

Food & Beverage

Spandern Haithabu Cows

Animal Health

Biofuels

Services

    ON DEMAND

    • Representative address
    • Response by phone and email
    • Personalised handling of leads and trouble shooting

 

    PRO ACTIVE

    • Lead generation on all channels
    • Prospecting and close
    • Customer visits, after sales service and technical support

 

    TAYLORMADE

    Talk to us about your needs.
    We develop the right form of cooperation to build and expand your footprint in the market.

 

Your contacts:

Dr. Barbara Spandern

Veterinarian with years of hands on experience in farm management, animal health and life sciences.

  barbara@spandern.com
  LinkedIn

Michael Spandern

Agronomist and brewer with a strong background in soil sciences, processing technologies and commodity markets around the globe.

  mike@spandern.com
  LinkedIn

Great Potential

The DACH region is defined by its robust agricultural sector and related industries. Germany, with its extensive agricultural landscape, boasts around 263,000 farms, while Austria and Switzerland account for approximately 155,900 and 48,000 farms, respectively. These farms serve as the foundation of the region’s agribusiness and food production industries.

Germany stands as a global leader in beer production, supported by roughly 1,500 breweries, with Austria and Switzerland contributing approximately 320 and 1,200 breweries, respectively. Milling also plays a key role, with 550 commercial mills in Germany, 160 in Austria, and 120 in Switzerland. The wine industry, particularly prominent in Germany, is home to about 18,000 wineries, followed by 6,500 in Austria and 1,500 in Switzerland. Distilleries are equally vital, with Germany housing an impressive 22,000, many of which are small, private operations, while Austria and Switzerland have 4,500 and 2,000 distilleries, respectively.

The bakery sector is similarly significant, particularly in Germany with around 12,000 bakeries, both industrial and medium-sized. Austria and Switzerland maintain a strong presence in this sector as well, with 1,000 and 1,800 bakeries, respectively.

Biofuel production has grown in importance across the region, with Germany leading with about 250 biofuel plants, followed by 15 in Austria and 10 in Switzerland. The feed mill sector also underpins the agricultural supply chain, with Germany having 300 feed mills, Austria 80, and Switzerland 100.

In terms of land use, Germany’s total farmland encompasses 16.6 million hectares, while Austria and Switzerland use 2.6 million and 1 million hectares for agriculture, respectively. Forestry also plays a role, with Germany managing 11.4 million hectares of forest, Austria 3.4 million hectares, and Switzerland 1.3 million hectares.

The livestock sector is substantial across the DACH region. In Germany, the population includes 11.3 million cattle, 25.5 million pigs, and 160 million poultry. Austria, by comparison, has approximately 1.9 million cattle, 2.7 million pigs, and 16 million poultry, while Switzerland hosts around 1.5 million cattle, 1.5 million pigs, and 10 million poultry. Equine numbers are smaller but still notable, with 1.3 million horses in Germany, 80,000 in Austria, and 100,000 in Switzerland.

These figures underline the DACH region’s immense agricultural and food production capacity, showcasing the wide variety of industries that bolster its economic strength.

What are you waiting for?