German Food Manufacturer Völpel Files for Insolvency

The traditional German food manufacturer Völpel GmbH & Co. KG has filed for insolvency at the Ingolstadt Local Court, affecting dozens of jobs and prompting an active search for investors. Founded in Upper Bavaria, the company specializes in drying and processing herbs, vegetables, spices, fruits, and herbal teas, with over 90 percent of its more than 100 products meeting organic standards. The insolvency filing also extends to its subsidiary, ZiFood Trockenprodukte GmbH, located in Zittau, Saxony.

Court proceedings were initiated at the end of September 2026, with the Ingolstadt Local Court appointing attorney Dr. Alexander Zarzitzky from the Anchor law firm as the preliminary insolvency administrator. Estimates regarding the workforce vary between 60 and 75 employees at the primary Königsmoos site, where the business stands as one of the larger local employers. The subsidiary in Zittau, acquired by the group in 2021, adds further processing methods such as vacuum drying to the company's capabilities.

The provisional insolvency administration reported that business operations at both locations have been successfully stabilized. Customers and suppliers have continued to support the company following the insolvency announcements, ensuring that delivery capabilities remain intact and order books stable. Furthermore, the net wage claims for employees are secured through statutory insolvency benefits provided by the Federal Employment Agency through the end of November 2026.

Management and the preliminary insolvency administration attributed the financial difficulties to a combination of mounting market and cost pressures. Specifically, they highlighted soaring energy costs required for the intensive drying of agricultural goods, a continued consumer reluctance to purchase higher-priced items since 2022, and weather-related harvest shortfalls. Additionally, managing director German Völpel pointed to international competitive pressure and regulatory hurdles that have slowed down the expansion of the company's own solar installations.

Despite these challenges, the preliminary insolvency administration emphasized that the company's operational foundation remains healthy. Long-standing direct relationships with regional farmers, stable customer connections, and durable machinery at both production sites create a solid baseline for future recovery. The business history dates back decades, evolving from a medicinal herb operation into a diversified industrial supplier managed in its third generation.

To secure a long-term solution, leadership has launched a structured investor process in cooperation with the consulting firm HCM Human Consult Management GmbH & Co. KG. Dr. Zarzitzky noted that several interested parties have already emerged, with the goal of finalizing the investor process by early December 2026. Fabio Octavio Mathias, managing director of HCM, stated that the objective is to establish planning security for employees and stakeholders before the end of the year.