Zentis GmbH & Co. KG is a leading German manufacturer and exporter of fruit preparations, sweet spreads, and confectionery products. Headquartered in Aachen, Germany, Zentis has grown from a regional jam maker into a global food industry partner serving retail, foodservice, and industrial clients across more than 50 countries.
Company Overview
Founded in 1893, Zentis began its journey with the production of sweet fruit jams and has since expanded into a wide spectrum of fruit-based and confectionery goods. Known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable sourcing, Zentis remains a family-owned business with over 130 years of tradition and excellence.
Core Product Portfolio
Zentis offers a comprehensive product range segmented into three major categories:
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Fruit Preparations:
- Customized fruit-based ingredients for the dairy, bakery, and confectionery industries
- Applications include yogurt toppings, bakery fillings, cereal inclusions, and ice cream swirls
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Sweet Spreads:
- Premium jams and jellies
- Fruit spreads with reduced sugar options
- Nut-based and chocolate cream spreads (e.g., Nusspli, Belmandel)
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Confectionery:
- Marzipan-based treats such as:
- Chocolate-covered marzipan loaves
- Marzipan potatoes (Kartoffeln)
- Seasonal items (e.g., Easter eggs, gingerbread spiced marzipan)
- Chocolate and cereal snacks under proprietary brands
Zentis also offers specialized B2B formulations tailored for industrial partners, especially in the dairy and baked goods segments.
Brands Under Zentis
Zentis operates a family of recognized brands catering to diverse consumer needs:
- Zentis (core brand for jams, spreads, and marzipan)
- Nusspli (hazelnut spread)
- Belmandel (almond spread)
- 75% Frucht (high-fruit content jam)
- 50% weniger Zucker (reduced sugar jam)
- Original Aachener Pflümli (regional plum specialty)
- MyCorn (cereal snack line)
Production Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Headquarters: Aachen, Germany
- European Sites: Production facilities in Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Russia
- Annual Output: Over 350,000 tons of fruit preparations and related products
- Workforce: More than 2,000 employees worldwide
Zentis operates advanced production lines equipped with thermal, aseptic, and cold-fill technologies to serve both retail and industrial customers.
International Presence and Export Markets
Zentis exports to over 50 countries, with strong markets in:
- Europe: Germany, France, UK, Poland, Netherlands, Spain
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, China
- North America: United States, Canada
- Middle East and Africa
Export formats include branded consumer goods, industrial-sized packaging, and private label solutions.
Innovation and Sustainability
Zentis is committed to environmentally responsible operations and product development:
- Sustainability Strategy: Focused on reducing CO₂ emissions, waste minimization, and sustainable ingredient sourcing
- Palm Oil: Uses only RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil
- Energy Efficiency: Investments in renewable energy systems and efficient water usage
- Packaging: Focus on recyclable and lightweight packaging to reduce material use
The company also engages in partnerships with certified growers and suppliers for traceable, fair-trade fruit sourcing.
Certifications and Compliance
Zentis facilities comply with global food safety and quality standards, including:
- IFS (International Featured Standard)
- BRC (British Retail Consortium)
- ISO 22000
- Kosher and Halal certifications (on request for B2B)
These standards ensure Zentis meets stringent requirements for international food safety and customer expectations.
Customer Feedback and Market Recognition
- Zentis marzipan and spreads are featured in premium German retail chains such as Edeka, Rewe, and Kaufland
- High consumer satisfaction for taste authenticity, innovative flavors, and packaging appeal
- Recognized as a top supplier to European dairy giants for custom fruit preps
Key Achievements
- Over 130 years of continuous operation and family ownership
- Industry leader in fruit preparation for the European dairy industry
- Multiple awards for product innovation and sustainability from German and EU food institutions
- Strategic supplier to multinational corporations in yogurt, bakery, and chocolate industries
Zentis GmbH & Co. KG stands as a global pioneer in fruit and confectionery innovation. Its fusion of traditional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and a deeply rooted commitment to quality continues to set benchmarks in the international food sector. With a legacy built on trust and taste, Zentis remains an essential partner for consumers and industry leaders alike.