Hassia Group

What Hassia Group does

Hassia Group (HassiaGruppe) is a privately held, fifth-generation German family-owned non-alcoholic beverage producer headquartered in Bad Vilbel, Hesse. The group operates ten production sites across Germany and manages a federated portfolio of more than 20 regional and national brands spanning mineral water (Hassia Sprudel, Bad Vilbeler Urquelle, Rosbacher, Lichtenauer, Carolinen, Glashäger, Güstrower Schlossquell, Thüringer Waldquell, Gaensefurther, Elisabethen Quelle), state-approved healing water (Römerbrunnen), premium organic soft drinks and iced teas (Bionade, Ti), East-German cult cola (Vita Cola), and fruit juices/ciders (Kumpf, Rapp's, Neu's, Blauer Bock, Höhl), selling approximately 928 million liters of beverage annually across roughly 1,600 employees.

The group's production technology is anchored in modern multi-line beverage bottling combining Mehrweg (returnable glass) and PET, with the Bad Vilbel site operating seven filling lines at up to 2.8 million bottles per day, five automated high-bay warehouses (130,000 pallet capacity), and 100 percent renewable electricity from German hydropower since 2015. Distinctive process technologies include BIONADE's bio-fermentation production yielding reduced sugar content and Kumpf's 800-tonne-per-day fruit pressing operation. The group holds approximately 90–95 percent Mehrweg share — significantly above the German industry average — and operates a single digital infrastructure including a password-protected retailer ordering portal and the HassiaWaters International channel for non-German markets.

HassiaGruppe monetizes primarily through wholesale and retail beverage sales via German Lebensmitteleinzelhandel (LEH), regional Getränkemittler (beverage wholesalers), Getränkeabholmärkte, and Spitzengastronomie (premium restaurants/hotels). A secondary B2B revenue stream comes from Kumpf Fruchtsaft, which supplies direct juices and concentrates as semi-finished goods to other beverage manufacturers (~€20 million turnover disclosed for that subsidiary). The group's go-to-market leverages regionally positioned brand identities (each linked to a specific German geography), co-marketing partnerships with tourism organizations (e.g., Carolinen × Teutoburger Wald), and a multi-channel consumer marketing mix spanning OOH, addressable TV, digital, social, and on-pack QR activations. The business model is decisively B2C-mass-market, with no public listing, no external institutional investors, and no disclosed funding rounds; ownership has remained within the Hinkel family since 1864.

Name

Hassia Group

Legal name

Hassia Mineralquellen GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://hassia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1864

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Hassia Group is a fifth-generation, family-owned German beverage holding producing mineral water, soft drinks, juices, and iced teas across 10 sites and 20+ regional and national brands, serving German retail, wholesalers, and gastronomy with approximately 928 million liters sold annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Bad Vilbel

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Wholesale and retail beverage sales: Sale of bottled mineral water, soft drinks, juices and beverages via German Lebensmitteleinzelhandel (retail), Getränkemittler (beverage wholesalers), and Getränkeabholmärkte; primarily one-time physical product transactions across 20+ brands
2. Gastronomy and food service channel: Direct supply to Spitzengastronomie, restaurants, catering and hotels with premium brands such as LIZ, Neu's, and Rosbacher
3. B2B semi-finished juice products (Halbware): Kumpf supplies Direktsäfte (direct juices) and Konzentrate (concentrates) from its own pressing operation as semi-finished goods
4. International sales and services: International sales handled through HassiaWaters International (hassiagroup.com)

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Hassia Group is a fifth-generation, family-owned German beverage manufacturer producing and bottling mineral water, soft drinks (lemonades, schorlen, near-water, functional beverages), fruit juices, iced teas, apple wine (Apfelwein), and state-approved healing water under 20+ regional and national brands. The group operates 10 production sites across Germany, drawing from protected natural mineral water sources, and distributes via German retail trade, beverage wholesalers, gastronomy, and international channels with annual sales volume of 928 million liters.

Product overview

Hassia Group (HassiaGruppe) is a fifth-generation, family-owned German beverage group — not a software or platform product, but a federated portfolio of more than 20 regional and national premium brands of mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juices, iced teas, cider, and state-approved healing water, organized as a holding around its core operating company Hassia Mineralquellen GmbH & Co. KG (Bad Vilbel). The portfolio is structured as a "core brand + sub-brand + acquired brand" architecture rather than a single product: the parent flagship is hassia (Hassia Mineralquellen), supported by closely related mineral-water sub-brands such as Hassia Sprudel, Bad Vilbeler Urquelle, Elisabethen Quelle, Rosbacher, LIZ and the state-approved healing water Römerbrunnen. Regional mineral-water brands tied to specific German states are Carolinen (Ostwestfalen-Lippe), Gaensefurther (Sachsen-Anhalt), Glashäger and Güstrower Schlossquell (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), Thüringer Waldquell (Thüringen), Lichtenauer and Margon (Sachsen), while Lichtenauer Mineralquellen also produces VITA COLA — a cult East-German cola plus the VITA LIMO lemonade range. National premium brands are Bionade (Bio organic soft drinks and iced teas, incl. the new Granatapfel SKU) and Ti Erfrischungstee, both produced by Bionade GmbH in Ostheim/Rhön. Fruit-juice and cider specialist brands include Kumpf Fruchtsaft (Baden-Württemberg), Rapp's Kelterei (Hessen), Neu's (premium gastronomy juices), Der alte Hochstädter and Blauer Bock (Apfelwein), plus the Hassia Bad Vilbel soft-drink sub-brand bizzl.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bad Vilbeler Urquelle: Regional mineral water brand sourced from the Vogelsberg; traditional Hessian refreshment brand.
• Bionade
• bizzl
• Blauer Bock
• Carolinen
• Der Alte Hochstädter
• Elisabethen Quelle
• Gaensefurther
• Glashäger
• Güstrower Schlossquell
• Hassia Sprudel
• Kumpf
• Lichtenauer
• LIZ
• Margon
• Neu's
• Rapp's
• Rosbacher
• Römerbrunnen
• Thüringer Waldquell
• Ti
• Vita Cola

Products and services

• Hassia Mineralquellen (hassia) Parent flagship brand from Hassia Mineralquellen GmbH & Co. KG (Bad Vilbel); fifth-generation family-owned since 1864. Draws from 30 active springs, operates 7 filling lines (up to 2.8 million bottles/day), 5 automated high-bay warehouses, and markets mineral water, lemonades, schorlen, near-water, functional drinks, fruit drinks, and iced tea predominantly in Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, and NRW.
• Bionade (BIONADE) National cult 100% Bio (organic) certified soft drinks and premium iced teas with reduced sugar; produced by Bionade GmbH in Ostheim/Rhön. Range includes BIONADE Premium-Limonaden and BIONADE Premium-Eistee (Pfirsich, Zitrone, Granatapfel). 100% organic certified, vegan, lactose- and gluten-free.
• Hassia Sprudel Sparkling traditional mineral water brand from Hessen — regional and climate-neutral; calcium-rich premium mineral water plus sparkling lemonades and schorlen for the whole family.
• Bad Vilbeler Urquelle Traditional regional mineral water from the protected depths of the Vogelsberg; positioned as a regional drinking water rich in minerals and trace elements.
• Elisabethen Quelle Gently mineralized mineral water with mild taste, positioned for everyday wellness hydration.
• Rosbacher Mineral water with a natural 2:1 calcium-to-magnesium ratio mirroring what is lost through sport; positioned for active/sports hydration.
• Römerbrunnen State-approved healing water (Staatlich anerkanntes Heilwasser) from Bad Vilbel with a uniquely high combination of essential minerals; marketed for bone strength, metabolic support, and acid-base balance.
• LIZ Premium mineral water for upscale gastronomy, from a private source in the Wetterau biosphere reserve; balanced mineral profile and exclusive carafe design.
• Carolinen Regional mineral water from a 258 m deep source in Bielefeld at the foot of the Teutoburger Wald; high calcium and magnesium, low sodium. Range covers mineral water, near-water, schorlen, lemonades, isosport, vital drinks, and bio beverages.
• Glashäger Mineral water from a source near Bad Doberan in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with a near-100% aided brand awareness in its home region. Range covers mineral water (~85% of fills), lemonades, fruit drinks, flavored waters, schorlen, bitter and wellness drinks.
• Güstrower Schlossquell Mineral water from Güstrow in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern; purity, balanced mineralization, and low sodium; range includes mineral water, wellness, Apfelschorle, lemonades, and several "Brausen". Fills approximately 30 million bottles per year at the Güstrow site.
• Lichtenauer Regional mineral water and soft drinks from Lichtenau near Chemnitz (Saxony); produced by Lichtenauer Mineralquellen GmbH with approximately 200 employees, 70+ SKUs, and up to 1.5 million bottles/day capacity in summer.
• Thüringer Waldquell Thuringia's most powerful Brunnen, based in Schmalkalden; approximately 120 million liters filled annually. Range spans the Thüringer Waldquell, Rennsteig, and VITA COLA brands; over 30 SKUs, three filling lines, approximately 150 employees.
• Vita Cola (VITA COLA) East-German cult cola and #2 lemonade brand in East Germany, market leader in Thuringia; produced by Lichtenauer Mineralquellen. Range covers VITA COLA cola plus the VITA LIMO lemonade line (8 SKUs incl. VITA LIMO Paradiso).
• Margon One of Saxony's oldest and best-known mineral-water brands plus bitter beverages, marketed both pure and as mixers; bottled at Lichtenauer Mineralquellen.
• Gaensefurther Regional mineral water and soft drinks from Sachsen-Anhalt, characterized by the Gaensefurther goose symbol and an Anhaltinische Naturlandschaft source.
• bizzl Sparkling lemonade brand established in 1969; broad variety of flavors made with natural mineral water and carbonation.
• Blauer Bock Hessian Apfelwein (cider) brand offering a range from pure cider to mixed cider-cola ("Cola") variants.
• Der alte Hochstädter Quality Apfelwein brand from the Hochstadt cidery (Kelterei) since 1779, blending traditional craft with modern production.
• Neu’s Fruchtsäfte (Neu’s) Premium fruit-juice range for gastronomy; broad assortment of premium-quality juices. Acquired by HassiaGruppe in 2013.

Quantifiable outcome

• 55% CO2 footprint reduction since 2015 at Bad Vilbel site
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Zentrum für nachhaltige Unternehmensführung (ZNU), Universität Witten/HerdeckecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership since 2014. Hassia uses the ZNU-Standard 'Nachhaltiger Wirtschaften' for steering and impact measurement of its sustainability management, group-wide certified by TÜV Rheinland Cert GmbH since January 2026. Network provides FMCG exchange on sustainability implementation.
• Verband Deutscher Mineralbrunnen (VdM)coreOthersIndustry association of German mineral water producers. Hassia works together with VdM on climate protection and sustainability topics.
• Genossenschaft Deutscher Brunnen (GDB)coreOthersGerman mineral water cooperatives. Hassia works together with GDB on climate protection and sustainability topics.
• Teutoburger Wald Tourismus (TWT) der OstWestfalenLippe GmbHcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMulti-year co-marketing partnership since 2021, fourth joint 'Raus in die Natur' campaign in 2026. Carolinen features as Partnerbetrieb in EU/NRW-funded project 'Modellregion Nachhaltiger Tourismus Teutoburger Wald (MoNaTour)'. Special bottle labels of around 1.5 million Carolinen bottles, joint landing page www.teutoburgerwald.de/carolinen-natur-tipps, Local Guides social media activation, prize raffle.
• Europäische Union and Land Nordrhein-WestfalenminorOthersFunder of the 'Modellregion Nachhaltiger Tourismus Teutoburger Wald (MoNaTour)' project in which Carolinen is a Partnerbetrieb. Project lead is OstWestfalenLippe GmbH/Teutoburger Wald Tourismus.
• Müritz-NationalparkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDonation partnership under 'Schluck für Schluck für die Region' initiative. Güstrower Schlossquell donates 10 cents per crate of Güstrower mineral water sold to the Müritz-Nationalpark moor and climate protection project for the rewetting of the Stücksteinwiesen near Mirow (approx. 8 hectares). Funded until 31 October 2022; partner is Nationalparkamt represented by spokesperson Eike Lucas.
• Biodiversity Foundation (Dirk Steffens and Ingrid Rudolph-Steffens)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-initiator (since 2020) of BIONADE's 'Vielfalt 2030' initiative. 5 cents per limited edition bottle of BIONADE Naturtrübe Zitrone flows to the Biodiversity Foundation. Initiative aims to promote biodiversity awareness and measurable conservation action.
• Landschaftspflegeverband Rhön-GrabfeldminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides expert support for BIONADE's annual river stewardship of the Streu riverbank near Ostheim, helping combat invasive Indian Balsam (Indisches Springkraut).
• Landesbund für VogelschutzminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides expert conservation support for BIONADE's annual riverbank clean-up and Indian Balsam removal along the Streu.
• SOS Kinderdorf e. V.minorOthersLong-term social engagement partner of Lichtenauer Mineralquellen under the 'Lichtblicke schenken' initiative.
• Naturschutzfonds WetterauminorOthersDuring the annual Kelterzeit Rapp's Kelterei accepts and processes organic apples from the Naturschutzfonds Wetterau.
• Biolandwirt BobbertminorOthersCarolinen collaborates with Bioland farmer Bobbert to maintain organic agriculture in the catchment area of its springs.
• Christoph Kadur (Rostock-based illustrator)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-created the 2025 Glashäger 'Unser Land genießen' campaign. Kadur designed four poster motifs and four collector glass motifs (Rostock, Schwerin, Rügen, Waren an der Müritz).
• thjnk Germany GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCreative agency for BIONADE Premium-Eistee 360° campaign (Granatapfel, Pfirsich, Zitrone) running 01.06.-16.08.2026.
• CHUNK Filmproduktion GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProduction partner for the BIONADE Premium-Eistee campaign spot used in the 2026 'Volltreffer' campaign.
• Super DigitalminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilt the new Granatapfel-Spiel on the bionade.de/eistee campaign landing page that lets users collect falling pomegranate seeds into an empty bottle.
• YUM GmbHcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFrankfurt-based online strategy, web design and web programming partner credited on the Hassia website; also hosts Matomo analytics environment for Hassia under data processing agreement.
• RPA Datenschutz + Compliance GmbH (Henning Koch and Ilja Borchers)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAppointed external Data Protection Officer for Hassia; contact via [email protected].
• HassiaWaters InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAffiliate international sales channel for Hassia at hassiagroup.com handling international sales and services inquiries ([email protected]).
• WEISSBACH PR-Das Kommunikationsbüro (Christine Weissbach)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPR agency handling press communications for VITA COLA launches (e.g., VITA LIMO Paradiso introduction).
• Naturstein BalzminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSpecialist firm restoring the Hassia Brunnentempel in 2026 using historical techniques; previously reconstructed the Römer Mosaik nearby.
• Markus Lintl (Key Account Management), Sven Wortmann (Sales Nord/Süd), Thomas Heß (Sales Mitte/Ost), Rajko Zimny (National Sales), Svenja Lonicer (Marketing regions Nord/Süd/Mitte/National), Corinna Fuchs (BIONADE Marketing), Paul K. Korn (Marketing Region Ost), Harald Lissfeld (Operations Nord/Süd/National), Uwe Grohmann (Operations Ost/Mitte), Markus Kienle (External Logistics)coreOthersInternal leadership team installed during the 2022 HassiaGruppe restructuring to align regional brands under five regions (Nord, Süd, Mitte, Ost, National) with central functions for F&E, Market Intelligence, Sustainability, Consumer Service and PR.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Gerolsteiner Brunnen: Germany's leading branded mineral water producer with multiple spring sites and a broad soft-drinks/refreshment portfolio. Most directly comparable to Hassia on product category (mineral water, soft drinks), German retail distribution, and reliance on regional spring assets.
• Adelholzener Alpenquellen: Bavaria-headquartered German mineral water and beverage group with regional brand depth (Adelholzener, Active O2, etc.). Comparable to Hassia on regional mineral water leadership, German retail channels, and investment in returnable/eco packaging.
• Rhönsprudel Mineralbrunnen: Rhön-region German mineral water producer with strong regional brand and export footprint. Comparable to Hassia Mineralquellen and BIONADE on regional German mineral water production, premium positioning, and proximity to Rhön biosphere.
• Bad Dürrenberger Mineralbrunnen: Traditional German mineral water brand with regional East German heritage. Comparable to Hassia's Glashäger and Lichtenauer/Margon operations in regional East German mineral water positioning and German retail distribution.
• VILSA-Brunnen: Lower-Saxony-based German mineral water and soft drinks producer with focus on naturalness and organic positioning. Comparable to Hassia on German regional mineral water production, organic/sustainability positioning, and similar mid-market scale.
• Mineralbrunnen Überkingen-Teinach: German mineral water producer operating multiple regional spring brands (Teinacher, Überkingen, Krumbach, etc.). Closely comparable to Hassia's federated multi-brand regional spring model and German retail/wholesale distribution footprint.
• Stiftsquelle Mineralbrunnen: Established German mineral water and soft drinks producer with regional brands. Comparable to Hassia as a mid-sized German mineral water group operating regionally anchored spring brands in the German retail trade.

Broad incumbents

• Radeberger Gruppe (Dr. Oetker): Large German beverage group spanning beer, mineral water (Selters, RhönSprudel), and soft drinks. Comparable to Hassia as a German multi-brand beverage manufacturer with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic portfolios, though much larger and broader.
• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP): Multinational bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola brands plus local mineral water portfolios across Germany. Comparable to Hassia as a major German soft-drinks and bottled-water supplier through Lebensmitteleinzelhandel, though with vastly greater scale and capital base.
• Danone Waters (Germany): German operations of Danone's Waters division (Volvic, Evian, local brands). Comparable to Hassia on bottled water and soft drinks in the German market, particularly through retail trade, though as a multinational with broader product portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube-nocookie.com/embed/nlwlQ-28GCs

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hassia Group