Exhibiting at Inter FoodTech 2025

Trikno AG, based in Felben near Frauenfeld, Switzerland, is a leading technology innovator and manufacturer specializing in high-precision chocolate moulding, dosing, and production automation systems. Operating under the esteemed brand "Knobel by Trikno," the company serves some of the world's most renowned chocolate manufacturers, delivering both standard and custom-engineered equipment tailored for artisanal to high-volume industrial applications.

Company Overview

Trikno AG brings decades of engineering experience in confectionery processing, combining Swiss precision with global food production needs. As a successor to the legacy of Knobel machinery, Trikno has maintained and evolved this heritage into cutting-edge machinery that supports flexibility, speed, and hygiene in chocolate production workflows. Their systems are particularly valued for their ability to handle complex shapes, multilayer fillings, and decoration applications with unmatched accuracy.

Core Business

Trikno’s core focus is on designing and manufacturing equipment for:

• Chocolate dosing and moulding
• Flexible automation for handling and cooling
• Integrated systems for nuts, fruits, and filled products

The company serves a global client base including premium chocolate brands, multinational food conglomerates, and high-end artisanal producers. Trikno’s end-to-end approach spans from standalone machines to fully integrated production lines.

Products and Services

Trikno offers a versatile and modular portfolio, grouped into three key solution categories:

• Chocolate Moulding Equipment:

  • Depositors: Omega, Alpha, Beta, Eta, Theta – tailored for different flow rates, viscosities, and mould formats
  • ColdPress® Systems: Patented cold forming technology for filled shells
  • One-Shot Systems: Simultaneous depositing of shell and filling
  • Free Dressing Systems: For irregular moulds or open decorations

• Automation & Handling:

  • Hi-Flex Robotic Systems: Flexible multi-axis robotic platforms for high-speed mould handling
  • Spiral Cooling Systems: Compact cooling tunnels optimized for space-saving setups
  • Elevators, Vibration Tables, Transfer Units: Supporting efficient inline and offline operations

• Specialized Applications:

  • Decoration Systems: Multi-color decorating units for branding and aesthetics
  • Nut & Fruit Processing: Feeding and depositing integration with moulding lines
  • Sandwich Product Lines: Precision alignment of biscuit or wafer inclusions

These systems are scalable and support both single-product configurations and diversified production setups with rapid changeover options.

Specialization and USP

Trikno's most distinctive specialization lies in its ColdPress® technology, which allows the creation of thin-walled, filled chocolate shells with exceptional definition and consistency. Their Hi-Flex robotic line is engineered for high-speed yet precise handling of fragile or detailed moulds. Trikno is one of the few global suppliers offering modular, customizable depositor platforms that can adapt to rapidly changing product lines, flavor trends, and seasonal SKU demands.

Key USPs include:

• Hygienic, GMP-compliant machine design with tool-free disassembly
• Precise dosing at high viscosities and delicate inclusions
• Integration-ready solutions for Industry 4.0 environments

Financials and Business Performance

While private, Trikno AG's operations reflect a high-value niche positioning. Based on market sources and equipment pricing benchmarks:

• Estimated revenue: CHF 15–25 million annually
• Equipment pricing: High-end depositor lines start at CHF 150,000, with complete lines surpassing CHF 1.2 million
• Average yearly output: 120–150 machines and modular systems shipped globally

The company serves clients across over 40 countries, with strong representation in Europe, North America, Middle East, and Japan.

Shipment and Global Reach

Trikno’s systems are in operation at major chocolate manufacturing hubs in:

• Switzerland and Germany – luxury confectionery production
• Belgium and France – boutique chocolate artisans
• USA and Canada – medium-to-large scale commercial manufacturers
• Middle East and Asia – halal and premium gifting markets

Their shipping, installation, and service teams manage projects with customized layout planning and commissioning across multi-lingual, multi-regulatory markets.

Target Market

Trikno targets:

• Premium chocolate and confectionery brands
• Contract manufacturers for chocolate gifting, travel retail, and seasonal assortments
• Industrial bakeries integrating chocolate inclusions or coatings
• Boutique brands requiring small-batch but high-precision automation

Their systems are especially suited for R&D labs, pilot lines, and multinational plants with varied SKUs and frequent product development cycles.

Capabilities

• Full turnkey line design and integration
• CAD/CAM mould development with custom cavity patterns
• Clean-in-place (CIP) and hygienic designs
• Remote access for diagnostics and upgrades
• Long-term maintenance contracts and spare parts logistics

Certifications and Compliance

• CE Certified equipment under European Machinery Directives
• GMP and EHEDG-compliant design for food processing
• Integrated systems comply with FDA and FSMA norms for export markets
• Trikno participates in SWISS LABEL – indicating Swiss engineering and manufacturing quality

Customer Testimonials

“Trikno’s ColdPress® system has transformed how we make filled chocolates—perfect edges and reduced rework.” — Head of R&D, Premium Chocolate Brand, Belgium

“Their robotic handling systems have given us flexibility with seasonal products and fast changeovers.” — Plant Operations Manager, Multinational Confectionery Manufacturer, Canada

Major Achievements

• Developer of ColdPress®, the world’s first patented cold shell forming technology
• Over 1,000 depositor systems installed globally
• Partnered with leading chocolate brands in Switzerland, France, and USA
• Featured technology in major industry fairs: Interpack, ProSweets, and Gulfood Manufacturing
• Launched fully digitalized depositor line in 2023 with predictive maintenance capabilities

Trikno AG continues to innovate at the crossroads of tradition and technology, delivering solutions that blend Swiss precision, chocolate craftsmanship, and automation for the future of global confectionery production.