deSter
deSter designs and manufactures sustainable food packaging and serviceware for the aviation and foodservice industries, offering compostable, recyclable, and reusable solutions across cups, cutlery, glassware, and containers via direct enterprise sales and e-commerce channels, as a member of gategroup.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersHoogstraten, Belgium
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What deSter does
deSter serves two primary verticals: aviation (airlines and inflight caterers, both main and premium cabins) and foodservice/hospitality (quick-service restaurants, stadiums, events, catering operators). Its business model centers on direct B2B enterprise sales through project-based, consultative account management, complemented by direct-to-buyer e-commerce storefronts (shop.dester.com for Europe and us.shop.dester.com for the USA) launched to capture small and medium foodservice buyers. Revenue is generated through per-unit product transactions in e-commerce and quote-based bespoke product sales in enterprise channels. The company holds EcoVadis Platinum certification (top 1% of rated companies, score of 86 in 2025) and operates as an affiliated company within gategroup, the global leader in airline catering, with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Spain, the United States, and Thailand.
deSter firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- deSter
- Legal name
- deSter BV
- Website
- https://dester.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- deSter designs and manufactures sustainable food packaging and serviceware for the aviation and foodservice industries, offering compostable, recyclable, and reusable solutions across cups, cutlery, glassware, and containers via direct enterprise sales and e-commerce channels, as a member of gategroup.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
deSter industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Food Packaging and Serviceware Manufacturing
- SIC
- Plastics Products, Nec (3089), Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Foodservice/To-Go Packaging (Cups, Clamshells, Cutlery) (IMALAHAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Foodservice Disposables (cups, plates, bowls, trays, clamshells) (IMAMAHAI), Foodservice & Single-Use Plastic Packaging (Cups, Lids, Cutlery) Manufacturing (IMANAEAI), Paper-Based Foodservice Packaging (Cups, Lids, Trays, Takeout Containers) (IMALACAJ), Disposable Tableware (Plates, Cups, Cutlery) (CRAJAGAG)
Keywords
Where deSter is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hoogstraten
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
deSter business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- B2B Product Sales to Aviation & Foodservice: deSter's primary revenue stream comes from designing and manufacturing bespoke food packaging and serviceware sold directly to airlines, hospitality groups, and foodservice operators under long-term commercial relationships. Products span cups, plates, cutlery, bowls, containers, napkins, and specialty items across reusable, recyclable, and compostable categories.
- E-Commerce Direct Sales: deSter operates direct-to-buyer e-commerce storefronts (shop.dester.com for Europe; us.shop.dester.com for USA) selling standard and branded packaging products in smaller quantities, targeting small and medium foodservice enterprises. Revenue is generated through per-unit product transactions with free shipping thresholds.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | E-commerce standard product pricing - USA |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | E-commerce standard product pricing - Europe |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
deSter product offering
Product offeringCore offering
deSter designs and manufactures bespoke and standardized sustainable food packaging and serviceware — including cups, plates, cutlery, bowls, food containers, napkins, glassware, and reusable systems — for the aviation (airlines) and foodservice/hospitality industries. Products span compostable, recyclable, and reusable categories, with proprietary technologies such as RFID-tracked reusable cups and patented paper cutlery. The company sells via direct enterprise sales to large operators and through dedicated e-commerce shops (us.shop.dester.com and shop.dester.com) for smaller foodservice buyers.
Product overview
deSter is a leading provider of innovative food packaging and serviceware concepts to the aviation and foodservice industries. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio spanning three sustainability models: compostable, recyclable, and reusable solutions. Core product collections include Muse (premium cabin glassware), REPLAY (RFID-enabled reusable cups), REVOLVE (QR-tracked reusable bowls), KAMI (compostable paper cutlery), RIDGE (fiber-based containers), and WAVE (clamshell collection). The product range includes paper and plastic cups, plates, cutlery, food containers, napkins, straws, and festive/party line items. deStudio serves as the in-house design and innovation hub driving product development. For the travel sector, deSter provides main cabin and premium cabin solutions. The company operates production facilities in Belgium, Spain, Thailand, and Ohio (USA), and sells directly through e-commerce shops for both European and US markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- deStudio: In-house design and innovation hub where inspiration is born, new trends are conceptualized and innovative products created. Helps develop new product lines, revitalize existing ranges, and ensures customers reach a competitive edge through innovative design.
- Muse
- REPLAY
- REVOLVE
- RIDGE
- KAMI
- BRIQ
- WAVE
Products and services
- Muse Premium Cabin Glassware Premium glassware collection engineered specifically for airline cabin pressure conditions, developed with hospitality and wine experts. Includes champagne, white wine, red wine, and coffee/tea vessels with optimized bowl geometry and temperature retention for premium cabin inflight service.
- REPLAY Reusable Cups Reusable drinking cups integrated with RFID technology for smart tracking, designed for high-volume event environments such as stadiums and festivals. Supports deposit return systems and efficient circular usage management at scale (e.g., REPLAY Reusable PP Plastic Cup 8.5oz, case of 608 pcs at $582.93 on US shop).
- REVOLVE Food Bowls Reusable food bowls made from durable PP plastic with QR code tracking for circular usage models. Available in multiple sizes including Extra Large Round Bowl (59oz), Large (1150ml), and standard 700ml options. Sold as 12-pack bowl + lid sets (€51.38 on European shop).
- KAMI Paper Cutlery Compostable paper-based cutlery produced in Belgium using patented technology and controlled production processes. Designed to deliver greater strength and refined user experience compared to standard alternatives; available as individual items or 3-in-1 packs (fork, knife, napkin). Example: KAMI paper spoon soldier pack of 100 at $95.57 per case of 10 packs on the US shop.
- RIDGE Containers Structured fiber-based food containers available in different sizes and formats with secure matching lids and optional fully compostable transparent windows. Designed to balance presentation and performance across takeaway and delivery environments, with visual options ranging from natural/warmer tones to cleaner white aesthetic.
- WAVE Clamshell Collection Clamshell-style takeaway containers designed for food packaging applications, part of the eco-smart innovative collection.
- Paper Cups (White, Kraft, Colored, Coffee Design) Paper beverage cups available in white, kraft, colored, and coffee design variants, with matching lids. Includes vending cups for automated dispensers, suitable for both foodservice and aviation applications.
- Compostable PLA Cups Plant-based compostable cups made from PLA material, offering transparent, sturdy, and environmentally responsible solution for cold beverages. Example: PLA Compostable Transparent Design 330ml (1250 units/box) at €109.62 on European shop.
- Plastic Cups (Event, Recyclable, Reusable) Plastic beverage cups including event cups, recyclable cups, and reusable drinking cups with matching plastic lids, for foodservice and event applications.
- Reusable Coffee Cups Reusable coffee cups designed for multiple uses, supporting sustainability goals in foodservice operations, including 8oz hot cup options.
- Plates (Reusable, Compostable) Dining plates available in reusable (durable, stylish for repeated use) and compostable (eco-friendly for hot/cold foods) variants for foodservice operations.
- Cutlery (Compostable, Recyclable, Reusable) Cutlery options spanning compostable, recyclable, and reusable materials. Includes forks, knives, spoons, stirrers, and wrapped cutlery sets.
- Food Packaging Containers Food containers available in compostable, recyclable, and reusable variants. Includes takeaway and delivery boxes, bowls with lids, food containers with lids, clamshell boxes, pizza boxes, trays with lids, and small portion containers.
- Napkins (Double Point, Elegance Spunlace, Airlaid) Napkin products including double point napkins (soft, strong, absorbent), elegance spunlace napkins (sophisticated and soft), and airlaid napkins (textile-like premium feel for fine dining).
- Straws & Stirrers Drinking straws and stirrers available in various materials, sizes, and styles for different beverage types and occasions.
- Party Line (Festive Range) Festive/party-themed tableware collection designed for special occasions and events.
- Travel - Main Cabin Products Food packaging and serviceware solutions specifically designed for airline main cabin applications, engineered for performance under cabin pressure and operational requirements.
- Travel - Premium Cabin Products High-end food packaging and serviceware solutions for airline premium cabin experiences, including specialized glassware (Muse collection) and drinkware designed for inflight service realities.
Quantifiable outcome
- EcoVadis Platinum Rating with score of 86 (top 1% of all rated companies) in 2025, up from Gold rating previously.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use deSter
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
deSter technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
deSter partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- gategroupcoredeSter is a member of gategroup, the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board, and hospitality products and services. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories. deSter operates as an affiliated company within this global group.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
deSter competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Genpak: Foodservice packaging manufacturer producing disposable and sustainable containers, cutlery, and tableware. Comparable to deSter's product breadth and focus on foodservice channels.
- Huhtamaki: Global foodservice packaging manufacturer with broad paper and plastic disposable product lines, including cups, plates, cutlery, and clamshells. Directly comparable to deSter across both foodservice and aviation-adjacent packaging categories.
- Dart Container: One of the largest North American manufacturers of foodservice disposables (cups, lids, containers, cutlery), serving QSR, concession, and institutional customers. Closely overlaps deSter's product categories and target end-markets.
- Sabert Corporation: Manufacturer of sustainable and premium foodservice packaging including compostable and reusable containers, plates, and cutlery. Directly comparable to deSter's compostable/reusable portfolio for foodservice operators.
- Detpak (part of Detmold Group): Manufacturer of paper-based foodservice and quick-service restaurant packaging including cups, bags, and wrappers. Comparable to deSter's paper-cup and paper-cutlery product lines for QSR and foodservice.
Others
- Gategroup: Parent company and global leader in airline catering with operations in 60+ countries. Comparable as both corporate parent and adjacent ecosystem participant whose catering customer base overlaps deSter's aviation demand.
Emerging players
- BioPak: Provider of compostable, plant-based foodservice packaging with a strong sustainability positioning. Comparable to deSter's compostable and sustainability-led foodservice offerings.
- Vegware: Specialist in compostable foodservice packaging (cups, containers, cutlery) made from plant-based materials. Competes with deSter's compostable product line, particularly in European foodservice and event channels.
Broad incumbents
- Pactiv Evergreen: Large-scale incumbent in foodservice and food merchandising packaging including cups, containers, and cutlery, with broader product breadth than deSter. Comparable as a direct competitor in commodity cups/containers with overlapping customers.
- Berry Global Group: Large global manufacturer of plastic packaging products including foodservice containers and cups. Competes with deSter across plastic food packaging categories with broader scale and product breadth.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
deSter social profiles
Digital presencedeSter compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
deSter financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
deSter leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
deSter subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
deSter funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
deSter M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about deSter
What does deSter do?
deSter designs and manufactures bespoke and standardized sustainable food packaging and serviceware — including cups, plates, cutlery, bowls, food containers, napkins, glassware, and reusable systems — for the aviation (airlines) and foodservice/hospitality industries. Products span compostable, recyclable, and reusable categories, with proprietary technologies such as RFID-tracked reusable cups and patented paper cutlery. The company sells via direct enterprise sales to large operators and through dedicated e-commerce shops (us.shop.dester.com and shop.dester.com) for smaller foodservice buyers.
Is deSter a public or private company?
deSter is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was deSter founded?
deSter was founded in 1973. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is deSter based?
deSter is headquartered in Hoogstraten, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does deSter make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. B2B Product Sales to Aviation & Foodservice is the primary driver. The others are E-Commerce Direct Sales.
Who are deSter's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Genpak, Huhtamaki, Dart Container, Sabert Corporation and Detpak (part of Detmold Group). Gategroup is listed as an others. Emerging players are BioPak and Vegware. Broad incumbents are Pactiv Evergreen and Berry Global Group.
Does deSter have an API?
No public API is recorded for deSter.
What industry is deSter in?
deSter's product category is Food Packaging and Serviceware Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAHAM, Foodservice/To-Go Packaging (Cups, Clamshells, Cutlery), with a secondary code of IMAMAHAI, Foodservice Disposables (cups, plates, bowls, trays, clamshells). Its SIC code is 3089.