What Delico does

Delico AG is a Swiss family-owned food import and distribution company founded in 1981 in Gossau, Switzerland, currently led by second-generation CEO Matthias Führer. The company operates as a brand representative and distributor managing approximately 400 products across frozen, ambient, and fresh categories, sourced from roughly 80 suppliers in approximately 20 countries. Delico holds exclusive Swiss distribution rights for major international brands including Kikkoman (since 1999, full distribution since 2019), Cipriani Food & Drinks (since 2022), Caterline, Stokes, and SAL de IBIZA, while also developing proprietary brands such as Baergfeuer (Swiss premium chilli sauce), Delicool (foodservice convenience), and Sunny Side (canned fruit/vegetables). The company also offers Private Label development and operates the Freaks for Food B2C e-commerce platform.

The business is structured around four B2B distribution channels: Swiss retail (direct to Migros, Coop, Spar, Manor, Volg, Denner, Lidl, Aldi, Globus), Swiss foodservice/gastronomy (through Transgourmet, Saviva, Pistor, CC Aligro and direct to chain restaurants), Swiss food industry (Bell, Lindt, Micarna, Hilcona, and others), and Swiss beverage trade (specialized wholesalers). A lean team of 17 employees handles operations across all segments, supported by IFS Broker Version 2 Higher Level certification (97.29%), CO2 neutral certification with ClimatePartner, and SBTi-aligned climate targets. Revenue is generated through transaction-based margins on distribution, Private Label development fees, and B2C e-commerce sales. The company has no proprietary technology systems and operates as a fundamentally traditional importer/distributor with a focus on quality certification, full-service brand management, and sustainability positioning.

Name

Delico

Legal name

Delico AG

Website

https://delico.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Delico AG is a Swiss family-owned food importer and distributor founded in 1981, managing around 400 products from 80 suppliers across 20 countries. It serves Swiss retail, foodservice, food industry, and beverage customers through exclusive distribution rights for premium brands like Kikkoman and Cipriani.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Food Import and Distribution

NAICS

Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers (42446), Food Manufacturing (311), All Other Specialty Food Retailers (445298)

SIC

Wholesale-Groceries, General Line (5141), Canned, Frozen & Preservd Fruit, Veg & Food Specialties (2030)

akta.pro primary industry

Ethnic Groceries & Shelf-Stable Foods Wholesale (AFAIAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

International & Ethnic Packaged Foods (CRADAAAG), Shelf-Stable Pantry Staples (Grains, Pasta, Rice, Beans, Canned Foods) (CRADAAAA), Nuts, Seeds & Trail Mix Snacks (CRADABAF)

Keywords

• Food import distribution
• Specialty food brands
• Private label development
• Foodservice supply
• Commodity food trading

Headquarters

HQ city

Gossau

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Brand Representation & Distribution: Represents international food brands (Kikkoman, Cipriani, Caterline, Stokes, Baergfeuer, SAL de IBIZA) for the Swiss market, earning margins on distribution. Full import, logistics, and sales services.
2. Private Label Development: Develops and manages Private Label products for retail and foodservice customers, including own brand Sunny Side for commodities.
3. B2C E-commerce (Freaks for Food): Operates Freaks for Food online shop for direct-to-consumer sales of specialty food products including Kikkoman, Cipriani, Baergfeuer, and other brands.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Delico AG imports and distributes specialty food products in Switzerland, representing international brands such as Kikkoman and Cipriani, developing and marketing its own brands (Baergfeuer, Delicool, Sunny Side), creating private-label products for customers, and trading in commodities (nuts, canned fruit and vegetables, MSC-certified tuna). The portfolio comprises approximately 400 products sourced from 80 suppliers across about 20 countries, delivered across frozen, ambient, and fresh temperature regimes.

Product overview

Delico AG is a Swiss food import and distribution company founded in 1981, operating as both a brand representative and own-brand owner. The company manages a portfolio of approximately 400-450 products across frozen, ambient, and fresh categories, serving retail, foodservice, and industry channels. Represented international brands include Kikkoman (soy sauces/condiments since 1999), Cipriani Food & Drinks (Italian luxury provisions since 2022), and Caterline (premium frozen convenience). Own brands include Baergfeuer (Swiss premium chilli sauces), Delicool (foodservice convenience), and Sunny Side (canned fruit/vegetables). Delico also develops Private Label products for customers and operates the Freaks for Food B2C e-commerce platform. Core competencies span import, logistics, distribution, sales, marketing, and quality certification (IFS Broker).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Freaks for Food: Online shop platform featuring recipes and blog articles about cooking, operated by food enthusiasts Philipp Audolensky, Anna Kaiser, Jann Hoffmann, Nico Palomo, Fabian Devos, and Delico product professionals.
• Delicool
• Sunny Side
• Baergfeuer

Products and services

• Kikkoman Soy Sauces & Condiments Kikkoman is the world's leading soy sauce brand represented exclusively in Switzerland by Delico; the range includes naturally brewed soy sauces (Classic, Less Salt, Gluten-free, Organic), Teriyaki marinades and sauces, Ponzu, Sweet Soy, Sushi & Sashimi sauce, Poke sauce, Miso soup, Kimchi chilli sauce, Panko breadcrumbs, Ramen soup base, and Sesame sauce/oil, distributed to Swiss retail, foodservice, and food-industry customers.
• Cipriani Food & Drinks Italian luxury food and drinks brand known for Harry's Bar Venice creations, distributed by Delico in Switzerland since 2022. Range includes Bellini (5.5% and alcohol-free), Prosecco, Virgin Bellini, egg and wheat pasta, Carnaroli risotto, pestos and tomato sauces, vinegars, extra virgin olive oil, Panettone, Fugassa, London Dry Gin, artichoke liqueur Amaro, and gift boxes.
• Baergfeuer Delico's own Swiss premium chilli sauce brand made from hand-harvested Swiss Habanero chillies grown in Aargau, Swiss spirit vinegar, and Swiss salt. The range is climate-neutral certified by ClimatePartner and includes Chilli Sauce 50ml, Sweet Chilli Sauce 250ml, and condiment products (mustard and mayonnaise containing 8% Baergfeuer chilli sauce).
• Caterline Frozen Convenience Premium frozen convenience food brand for gastronomy, distributed by Delico. Range includes vegetable patties, rösti rolls, zucchini and herb crepes, vegan lentil patties, vegetable strudels, spinach-mozzarella dumplings, napkin dumplings, crêpes, nougat quark dumplings, apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn, apple rings, pancakes, pumpkin cheese Palatschini, and seasonal innovations (e.g. Edamame Patties and Beetroot Sticks from January 2026).
• Delicool Foodservice Range Delico's own brand for the gastronomy sector featuring frozen convenience and street food products. Range includes Mini Burgers (Classic, Cheese with Swiss meat, Barbecue, Curry-Chicken), Mini Hot Dog vegetarian, falafel, Mochi (Strawberry, Mango, Coconut), Canelés de Bordeaux, Pastéis de Nata, Flatbreads, Churros with chocolate, Jackfruit Balls, and Oriental Veg Cigar.
• Sunny Side Canned Fruit and Vegetables Delico's own brand offering high-quality canned fruit and vegetable products including pineapple cubes/slices/tidbits, mandarins, passion fruit pulp, pear halves, apricots, fruit cocktail (in sucralose, fruit juice or syrup), and sweetcorn, for retail and food-industry customers.
• Freaks for Food E-commerce and Content Platform Delico's direct-to-consumer online shop, blog, and recipe platform selling curated specialty products including Kikkoman, Cipriani, Baergfeuer, and other represented brands. The platform is operated by food enthusiasts and Delico product professionals and includes editorial content to drive consumer engagement.
• Private Label Development Delico develops and manages private-label products for retail and foodservice customers, offering customized product development, manufacturing coordination, and full import, logistics, and sales services under customer brands.
• Commodities Trading (Nuts, Canned Goods, Tuna) Trading in nuts and seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, macadamia, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, peanuts), canned fruit and vegetables (peaches, pears, apricots, mango, corn, asparagus, beans, mushrooms), and MSC-certified tuna in cans or pouches, sourced globally from approximately 80 suppliers across 20 countries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40+ years of successful operation in Swiss market with growth from 2 to 17 employees
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• SAL de IBIZAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026SAL de IBIZA is an Ibizan culture brand representing 100% natural sea salt harvested in the UNESCO-protected Parc Natural de ses Salines d'Eivissa. Delico is the Swiss distribution partner. Products include fleur de sel, snacks, chocolate, and Home & Living products. Delico showcased the brand at ORNARIS Zürich in January 2026.
• Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Delico AG has set an ambitious climate target for 2025 in collaboration with SBTi. Targets include reducing Scope 1 emissions by 42% by 2030, keeping Scope 2 emissions at zero, and measuring and reducing Scope 3 footprint with customers and suppliers. SBTi is a joint initiative of CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI, and WWF providing science-based framework aligned with Paris Agreement 1.5°C pathway.
• Cipriani Food & DrinksflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Delico is the official distribution partner for the Swiss market for all Cipriani products since 2022. Cipriani is a renowned luxury food and beverage brand originating from Harry's Bar in Venice. Delico distributes the full range including Bellini, Prosecco, pasta, pesto, risotto, sauces, olive oil, vinegar, panettone, and spirits (including new London Dry Gin launched in 2024).
• ClimatePartner SwitzerlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Strategic partnership for climate protection and sustainability. Since 2020, Delico works with ClimatePartner Switzerland to calculate its corporate carbon footprint (CCF) according to the GHG Protocol. All emissions along the value chain are taken into account. ClimatePartner also validates Delico's climate-neutral product certifications (e.g., Baergfeuer Chilli Sauce) and carbon offset projects.
• Beyond MeatminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Delico was the official Swiss importer of Beyond Burger for the foodservice/gastronomy sector starting in 2019, introducing the plant-based burger revolution to Swiss restaurants and catering businesses.
• BaergfeuercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Baergfeuer is Delico's proprietary Swiss specialty brand launched in 2012. The 100% Swiss chilli sauce is made from Swiss Habanero chillies grown in Aargau (Wohlenschwil), Swiss spirit vinegar, and Swiss salt. Delico co-developed this product with ClimatePartner for carbon footprint certification. Products include chilli sauce, sweet chilli sauce, mustard, and mayonnaise. Manufacturing involves social enterprise in Thurgau.
• Table couvre-toi (Tischlein deck dich)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Food waste reduction partnership. Delico donates unsold but consumable food products to Table couvre-toi charity organization. In 2021, Delico delivered 3,300 kg of food to the organization; 2,949 kg in 2022. This partnership demonstrates Delico's commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste as part of its environmental strategy.
• Gemperli AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Delico took over the operational business of affiliated company Gemperli AG as of January 1, 2017. This extended Delico's business activities in the Commodities sector, with focus on canned fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts. This acquisition strengthened Delico's commodities trading capabilities.
• CaterlinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Caterline is Delico's premium frozen foods partner. Products include vegetable schnitzel, strudel, knödel, crêpes, pancakes, and seasonal specialties. Caterline focuses on convenience products for gastronomy that can be prepared quickly while maintaining high quality. Products are palm oil free and include vegetarian and vegan options.
• StokesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Stokes is a UK premium food brand represented by Delico in Switzerland since 2017. Products include premium ketchup (with up to 200g sun-ripened tomatoes per 100g) and burger relish. Products are handmade in Suffolk, England, and available at Swiss Coop stores.
• KikkomanflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1999Delico has been the exclusive general representative of Kikkoman (world leader in soy sauces) in Switzerland since 1999. In January 2019, Delico took over the complete Swiss distribution from Gustav Gerig AG, enabling direct market access for Kikkoman products in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Products include soy sauce varieties, teriyaki sauces, ponzu, miso soup, panko, and more.
• MSC (Marine Stewardship Council)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelico sources tuna (in cans or pouches) from MSC-certified partners, ensuring sustainable fishing practices. Delico's tuna commodity business works with long-standing, first-class partners at origin who are MSC-certified.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bell Food Group: Major Swiss meat and convenience food producer that is both a Delico customer and operates in overlapping convenience/frozen foodservice categories through its own brands.
• Hero Group: Large Swiss-headquartered specialty food group active across multiple categories including infant nutrition, spreads, and convenience. Operates at much larger scale but in adjacent specialty food distribution and brand ownership.
• Bonduelle Group: Large European packaged vegetable and convenience food group with canned and frozen ranges that overlap with Delico's Sunny Side canned fruit/vegetable commodity offering.

Direct peers

• Pistor AG: Swiss foodservice distributor (bakery and gastronomy) operating a similar B2B foodservice distribution model in the same Swiss market.
• Bianchi Group: Swiss importer and distributor of international food brands operating across retail, foodservice, and industry channels with a comparable mix of represented international brands and private label.
• Saviva AG: Swiss foodservice wholesaler serving gastronomy and communal catering; directly comparable channel focus and product overlap with Delico's foodservice business.
• Transgourmet Schweiz AG: Major Swiss foodservice wholesaler that is simultaneously a customer and a competitor of Delico for specialty food distribution into HoReCa across Switzerland.
• Gustav Gerig AG: Swiss food and commodity trading/distribution company. Was Delico's predecessor as Kikkoman's Swiss distributor before Delico took over full Kikkoman distribution in 2019; highly comparable in business model, customer base, and product mix.

Emerging players

• Hilcona AG: Liechtenstein-based convenience food manufacturer and supplier that overlaps with Delico's foodservice and food-industry customer base (Hilcona is itself a Delico customer). Comparable in convenience/frozen specialty positioning.
• Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH: German specialty food company (mustards, sauces, condiments) operating a comparable represented-brand plus own-brand model into DACH retail and foodservice, similar to Delico's Baergfeuer and Sunny Side positioning.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FreaksForFood
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/delico-ag
• Instagraminstagram.com/freaksforfood

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 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 Delico