Pioneers in organic retail
Interview with Thomas Börkey-Biermann, Managing Director of Ökoring Handels GmbH
For more than 30 years, Ökoring Handels GmbH in Bavaria has been a trusted supplier of organically grown food to the organic retail sector, the hospitality industry, and social institutions. What began as a small cooperative has grown into a regional market leader. Managing Director and co-founder Thomas Börkey-Biermann reflects on this remarkable journey, shares insights on pioneering spirit and values, and explains why for him, freshness and fairness are inseparable.
European Business: Mr. Börkey-Biermann, Ökoring Handels GmbH has been around for more than three decades. How did the company get its start back then?
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: The origins go back to 1993. At that time, two companies merged: the Biomarkt cooperative in Gräfelfing, which operated a successful organic food store and a small fresh produce wholesale business, and the company Byodo, which was and still is active in dry goods wholesale and production. The goal was to pool resources – and that’s how Ökoring was born.
European Business: Today, Ökoring is a medium-sized company with around 140 employees and annual sales of about 80 million EUR. What were the key milestones along the way?
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: The most important one was clearly the move to Mammendorf in 1999. With our employees in mind, it was important to us that the location could be reached by public transport. We built with little capital, but with plenty of human potential – “human capital,” as it’s called today. That continues to shape us.
European Business: Which sectors do your customers come from?
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: Our initial focus was on the organic specialty trade and farm shops; we also supplied organic produce boxes. But very early on, artisanal processors such as organic bakers and butchers became part of our customer base. Today, we cover the entire out-of-home catering sector – from kindergartens to hotels to system catering. We developed our product range together with our customers. Today, we offer around 12,000 organic items. Our main focus is on fresh products such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and frozen foods.
European Business: What makes Ökoring special?
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: We were the first to systematically supply the organic food service sector – real pioneers. We were also ahead of the curve when it came to frozen food. But we don’t compete on price, we stand out through expertise. I always say: we do competence marketing, not price marketing. Our customers know they can count on us for quality, reliability, and advice. The foundation for this is honesty, transparency, fairness, and genuine partnership.
European Business: These values seem very important to you.
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: Absolutely! We are certified organic, IFS-certified and – something I’m particularly proud of – we prepare a common good balance sheet. The company is my employees. I’m just the captain. And in this team, people from more than 30 nations work together – women and men, young and old. We live diversity and team spirit – and not just on paper.
European Business: How do you assess the current market situation?
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: Times are not easy at the moment. Competition in the food trade is fierce: traditional grocery retailers are pushing massively into the organic sector, often with ruinous prices. At the same time, many consumers are more open to organics, but also more price-sensitive. In Germany, unfortunately, too little is still paid for good food. But: organic still has great potential. And we remain passionate advocates.
European Business: How international is Ökoring’s orientation?
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: For us, it’s about sustainable relationships, both locally and globally. We are rooted in our region, but we also supply South Tyrol and neighboring regions in Austria. In addition, we are engaged internationally – for example, in organic projects in Tunisia and Morocco, where we support small farmers and women’s cooperatives.
European Business: Which projects are currently in focus for you?
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: Right now, we are switching to a new ERP system. That’s a major effort, but an essential necessity. We are also investing in training, education, and long-term personnel development. Succession planning is also on the agenda, since I am now 60. We are also considering construction expansions to enable further growth.
European Business: What is your vision for Ökoring in the next five to ten years? Where would you like to see the company by then?
Thomas Börkey-Biermann: My wish is that the company will continue to thrive without me – and remain as healthy, independent, and value-driven as it is today. That young people will take over the baton with joy and responsibility. And that we will continue to be a place where meaningful work is possible – for people, animals, and our environment.