Naturland Zeichen GmbH

What Naturland Zeichen GmbH does

Naturland Zeichen GmbH is a German certification and service company founded in 1990, headquartered in Gräfelfing near Munich. It operates as the commercial arm of the Naturland organic farming association, providing certification and supporting services for companies in organic processing, trade, gastronomy, and out-of-home catering. The company maintains and enforces proprietary ecological and social standards that exceed EU Bio minimum regulations, with independent third-party auditing. Standards coverage spans agricultural production, animal welfare, aquaculture, wild-fish, processing, fair trade, social responsibility, forestry, textiles, and cosmetics — areas that extend beyond the EU Organic Regulation.

The core technology is a multi-layered certification platform comprising the base Naturland Zertifizierung, the add-on Naturland Fair certification (covering fair prices, living wages, long-term trade relationships, and regional raw material cycles), and the Bio-Ausser-Haus-Verpflegung (Bio-AHV) certification for out-of-home catering. Standards are publicly accessible and independently audited. Supporting services include market data provision, supply chain development, raw material sourcing, packaging and labeling compliance, and access to a global network of certified producers. The "Mein Naturland" online platform provides certified partners with member tools and resources.

Revenue is generated primarily through recurring certification and licensing fees from certified partner companies, supplemented by service fees for trade fair participation (collective Naturland & Partner exhibition stands), marketing support, and compliance consulting. The company employs approximately 33 staff and serves 57+ named brand partners spanning Germany's largest food retailers (EDEKA-Verbund, REWE, Netto Marken-Discount, dm-drogerie markt, ROSSMANN), organic specialty chains (Alnatura, dennree with 300+ Bio supermarkets), fair trade pioneers (GEPA, WeltPartner eG), processors (Gläserne Molkerei, Molkerei Berchtesgadener Land), and food service operators (Paulaner am Nockherberg). Geographic reach is international, with raw materials sourced globally and partnership references spanning Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Name

Naturland Zeichen GmbH

Legal name

Naturland Zeichen GmbH

Website

https://naturland-zeichen.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Naturland Zeichen GmbH is a German certification and service company that issues the Naturland organic and fair trade mark to companies in processing, trade, gastronomy, and out-of-home catering, serving 57+ brand partners across European and international markets with proprietary standards exceeding EU Bio minimums.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Organic and Fair Trade Certification Services

akta.pro primary industry

Organic Certification Services (AFALAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing Certification Services (AFALAMAD), Fair Trade & Ethical Supply Chains (Certification, Traceability, Producer Support) (BPAGALAL)

Keywords

• Organic certification services
• Fair trade certification
• Bio gastronomy standards
• Ecological farming guidelines
• Organic food branding

Headquarters

HQ city

Gräfelfing

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification and Licensing Fees: Revenue generated through annual partner fees and certification charges for companies in Bio processing, trade, gastronomy, and Bio out-of-home catering that use the Naturland mark. Partners pay for access to the Naturland brand certification, auditing, and ongoing compliance support.
2. Service Fees: Fees for services including market data provision, supply chain development, raw material sourcing assistance, packaging and labeling compliance support, and participation in trade fair Gemeinschaftsstände (collective exhibition stands).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Naturland Zeichen GmbH provides organic (Bio) and fair trade certification services to companies in food processing, trade, gastronomy, and out-of-home catering. It licenses the right to use the Naturland mark to certified partners whose operations are independently audited against Naturland's proprietary ecological and social standards, which exceed EU Bio minimum regulations. Beyond certification, the company delivers partner support services including market data, supply chain development, raw material sourcing, packaging and labeling compliance, and participation in collective trade fair exhibition stands.

Product overview

Naturland Zeichen GmbH is a certification and service organization for the organic/bio industry, not a traditional software product company. The organization offers a multi-layered certification portfolio: the core Naturland Zertifizierung (organic certification) verifies compliance with ecological and social guidelines exceeding EU Bio standards; the add-on Naturland Fair Zertifizierung provides additional fair trade certification; and support services include Bio-Ausser-Haus-Verpflegung (organic out-of-home catering certification), Bio-Direktvermarktung (direct marketing support), marketing assistance, and trade fair participation. The company's guidelines (Naturland Richtlinien) cover organic farming, social standards, fair trade, aquaculture, and sustainable fishing with independent third-party verification. Additional tools like the EmpCo-Check-Liste help partners comply with EU environmental communication regulations. The Mein Naturland platform provides members with access to services and resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Naturland: An international organic farming association with ecological and social standards that exceed EU organic regulations. The Naturland brand represents high-quality organic products certified under strict environmental and social criteria.
• Naturland Fair

Products and services

• Naturland Zertifizierung (Organic Certification)
• Naturland Fair Zertifizierung
• Naturland Richtlinien (Guidelines)
• Bio-Ausser-Haus-Verpflegung (Bio-AHV) Certification
• Bio-Direktvermarktung (Organic Direct Marketing Support)
• Mein Naturland

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% of WeltPartner's 500 product SKUs carry Bio quality; many additionally carry Naturland Fair mark
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

58 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• agaSAAT GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. On behalf of agaSAAT GmbH, Naturland-certified farms in the Lower Rhine region grow Styrian oil pumpkins whose seeds do not need to be shelled, making them popular with downstream processors such as bakeries, oil mills, and muesli manufacturers.
• Allgäu Fresh FoodsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Four butcher shops in the Allgäu region combined to strengthen their market position with regional meat of the highest quality. Naturland certification provides quality assurance and market differentiation.
• AlnaturacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. First Alnatura products entered the market in 1986, and the partnership with Naturland has been intensified over the years to strengthen ecological agriculture. Alnatura operates many organic supermarkets across Germany.
• ArcheHof SchlickenriederminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland Fair partner. A nature conservation farm in Bavaria dedicated to preserving endangered animal breeds (mountain sheep, Murnau-Werdenfelser cattle). Serves as an educational and experiential organic farm.
• Beim KernerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland-certified Bio-Café. Family farm in the apple orchard region, now operated by Bernhard and Timea Stein. The first Naturland-certified Bio-café, located amid apple trees.
• Berief FoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Family business from the Münsterland region producing plant-based milk alternatives. Rapidly growing market has led Berief to expand production capacity. Naturland certification provides quality assurance for the rapidly growing plant-based sector.
• Bio-Restaurant Land.LuftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBio-AHV (out-of-home catering) partner. One of few restaurants to achieve the Gold status of Bio-AHV regulation (90% Bio ingredients). Meat from own pigs and cattle is Naturland certified.
• biosanicaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner from the Alte Land fruit-growing region (largest in Germany). Processes apples into dried apple products with short supply chains and full traceability back to the tree.
• Cashew CoastcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland Fair partner. In the heart of Ivory Coast, Cashew Coast has built a fully sustainable value chain. Naturland Fair certification verifies fair practices and ecological standards, benefiting both nature and local communities.
• Complete OrganicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Innovative company near Munich producing fermented organic vegetables. Creative Bio-Kimchi variations are top sellers.
• Das FichtersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner since 2025. Cultural venue and Bio-culinary destination in Bavaria. Christian Wimmer transformed the family business premises into a space where culture and organic culinary experiences meet.
• dennree (denn's Biomarkt)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. One of the leading Bio pioneer companies. History began in 1974 with dairy products delivered by founder Thomas Greim. Today operates over 300 Bio supermarkets (denn's Biomarkt) in Germany. 25-year partnership with Naturland.
• Die Maierei - dein BauernhofminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland farmer. Anna Fritzsche specializes in organic vegetables and dual-purpose chickens. Reaches customers through farm shop, organic boxes, natural food stores, and a restaurant.
• dm-drogerie marktcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. First German drugstore chain to add organic food to its assortment. Its dmBio private label is inspired by the desire to offer customers sustainable taste experiences. Naturland certification provides quality assurance for the Bio range.
• dreher bio GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Ölmühle Oberschwaben belongs to dreher bio GmbH and produces Naturland-certified oils from predominantly regional seeds. This special Bio quality is in demand among food and cosmetics manufacturers across Germany and Europe.
• EDEKA-VerbundcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Particularly versatile in marketing organic food. Through EDEKA markets, Marktkauf, NATURKIND Welten, Netto Marken-Discount, and budni, the group brings Bio nationwide. Naturland Zeichen GmbH has accompanied this development for 22 years.
• Festhalle BayernlandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBio-AHV gastro partner. Volksfest (public festival) gastronomy. Manager Petar Folic plans menus with increasing Bio content, preferably in Naturland quality.
• Festhalle SchottenhamelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner. Munich Oktoberfest tent. Bavarian cuisine with an increasing share of Bio ingredients, certified under Naturland standards.
• Fischräucherei SchießlminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Bavarian organic fish in Naturland quality. This unique selling proposition has made the smokehouse a small but established player in the market.
• followfood GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Brand manufacturer and sustainability movement. Founded in 2007 with the mission to save the oceans. Now realizing a vision of fully ecological value creation on land and sea.
• FürstenfelderminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner since 2003. Fine dining restaurant where almost 100% of ingredients come from organic cultivation. Following a major renovation in 2018, the family business became a Naturland gastro partner.
• Gelato ClassicominorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Germany's largest organic ice cream producer in the Teutoburger Wald. Traditional Italian recipes based on natural raw materials and artisanal skill. Naturland partnership meets growing ecological and social sustainability requirements.
• GEPAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland brand partner and long-term strategic companion. Pioneer of Fair Trade and has accompanied Naturland for over 45 years. Combines fair trade with great commitment for ecological production and high product quality.
• Gläserne MolkereiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Organic dairy offering full transparency from pasture to trade. What the Gläserne Molkerei does for animal welfare, organic farming, and sustainable development can truly be seen.
• grünerdüngen GmbH (KleePura)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Dresden-based company that developed Germany's first Naturland-certified vegan organic fertilizer (KleePura) for home gardening use.
• HerbariacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland Fair partner. Herbs, spices, tea, and coffee specialist from Upper Bavaria. For its East African specialties Makeda Espresso and Bahati Kaffee, Herbaria first decided on Naturland Fair certification to highlight its quality advantage in the coffee segment.
• Hoffnungstaler Werkstätten - Lobetaler Bio-MolkereiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Organic dairy run by a sheltered workshop organization. About 50% of revenue comes from out-of-home catering, reaching daycare centers, schools, gastronomy, and hotels near Berlin.
• HofKitchenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner. Cooking school and event venue run by Lorenz Hartmann. Direct purchasing from farmers ensures absolutely fresh ingredients and lets guests experience what is blooming and growing seasonally.
• HofpfistereicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland Fair partner. First company to receive 'Naturland Fair Partnerships' certification in 2011, along with subsidiaries Öko-Metzgerei Landfrau, Stocker's Backstube, and Meyermühle.
• Hörger Biohotel TafernwirtschaftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner. Traditional inn (Tafernwirtschaft) rooted in the family history of Andreas and Martina Hörger in Kranzberg for over 125 years. Naturland certification is part of the family story.
• Käserebellen GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Subsidiary of Schönegger Käse-Alm GmbH. Known for culinary surprises; introduced a hearty Bio mustard rebel to the market; 25th Naturland-certified new product announced for 2023.
• Kirchthanner BiohofminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner and Hofverarbeiter (on-farm processor) near Landshut. Katharina Mühlbauer, with her parents, built up on-farm processing to bring Kirchthanner pork products directly to end consumers without detours.
• La SelvacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland Fair partner. Tuscan estate; first foreign Naturland partner company in 1982. Since 2018 additionally certified under Naturland Fair guidelines as part of its sustainability journey.
• Mani BläuelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland Fair partner. Greek eco-pioneer family. Inspired over 300 small-scale farmers to convert to organic farming, supplying olives for Naturland Fair oils and delicatessen products.
• Merchant & FriendsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland Fair partner. Coffee roasters from Herrmannsdorf with a perfectionist approach. Roasters seek partners to achieve superlatives together, such as a new Naturland Fair coffee line growing in Rwanda.
• mjkocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland Fair partner. Mushroom cultivator (pronounced 'mi:ko') near Munich. For almost 30 years, mjko has grown mushrooms in Naturland Fair-certified circular economy. Mushrooms are versatile, have many fans, and are harvest-ready 365 days a year.
• Moarwirt Bio-LandhotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner. Isabella and Sebastian Miller are dedicated hosts who made their dream of sustainable, regionally rooted gastronomy come true. Naturland fits exactly with their philosophy.
• Molkerei Berchtesgadener LandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland Fair partner of the first hour. Has accompanied the development of Naturland Fair guidelines from the start. Sustainability is becoming a strategic goal driving Bio demand in out-of-home catering. Large-format dairy products with Naturland Fair certification provide added value even at municipal level.
• Natumi GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Founded in 1999 by Bruno Fischer to produce plant-based, lactose-free, climate-friendly milk alternatives. With many imitators, Natumi uses the Naturland mark to differentiate.
• Natürlich Hof SchwienhorstminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland partner. One of four organic farms in Warendorf, Münsterland region. Has taken cultivation, harvest, and processing into its own hands as a Hofverarbeiter (on-farm processor).
• Netto Marken-DiscountcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Naturland certification underlines quality claims in the Bio segment. First Naturland-certified products launched under BioBio private label in mid-2023, covering a wide range from muesli and pasta to dairy, meat, eggs, fruit, and vegetables.
• nucaominorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. NU-Company produces chocolate with a mission to change the world. The decision to partner with Naturland was driven by the association being equally uncompromising about ecological standards and fair trade.
• ÖkofrostminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Pioneer in frozen organic food. In 2005 launched its own 'BioPolar' brand simultaneously with the start of cooperation with Naturland — beginning with frozen shrimp from a Naturland farm in Ecuador.
• ÖMAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Cheese dairy in the Allgäu region, a dairy area for over 150 years. Founded in 1986 by Heide and Hermann Beer from Berlin. Naturland was the natural companion from the early days of the Bio market.
• Organiced KitchenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner since two years. Berlin-based organic catering company founded by Johannes Emken in 2015 to bring regional Bio food to schools and events.
• Original FoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Working with partners to sustainably strengthen the Ethiopian highlands region where Coffea Arabica still grows wild in the mountain rainforests. Naturland certification supports the conservation of this natural treasure.
• Patiswiss AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Swiss supplier of ingredients such as almond granules, chopped nuts, and roasted coconut strips to Swiss chocolate manufacturers. A customer's explicit request for Naturland quality initiated the brand partnership.
• Paulaner am NockherbergcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner. Traditional Munich restaurant serving up to 13,000 meals per day. Florian Lechner and team prepare an increasing share from Naturland-quality ingredients. The scale of Bio catering at this traditional venue is new territory for the company.
• REWE Markt GmbHcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. One of the Bio pioneers of German food retail. Has worked with Naturland since 2009. Sustainability is firmly anchored in corporate strategy and continuously advanced.
• ROSSMANNcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Launched enerBiO sustainable food brand over 20 years ago, but EU-Bio minimum standards were not far-reaching enough. In 2019, ROSSMANN decided to cooperate with Naturland for a higher level of certification.
• RumerIE und Hofladen EhrenfeldminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Home to the largest rum warehouse in southern Germany with 400 wooden barrels aging varieties GhOST, BaRON, and BaRONESS. The fine organic spirits are a rarity in the Bio market and carry the Naturland mark.
• Schälmühle Gebr. KümmelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Family business in Vetschau producing 65,000 tonnes of pre-products per year (oats, wheat, spelt, rye, barley, corn, millet, and buckwheat) for bakeries, muesli, plant drinks, and more. Since 2023, also in Naturland quality.
• SonnentrachtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Wanderimkerei (migratory beekeeping) company specializing in alternative sweeteners in Bio quality, founded by Gerrit Lang, son of a honey expert.
• SOTO Bio-SpezialitätenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Family business for vegetarian and vegan organic specialties. Led by Lennard Schramm, who grew up with the aroma of fresh SOTO spring rolls and Bio tofu burgers. Aims to involve more regional Bio farmers through the Naturland partnership.
• Staatsgut KringellminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland Bio-AHV partner. The only Bavarian state farm with 100% organic farming and animal husbandry. Those completing training and continuing education seminars here experience Bio as a living practical example. Even the canteen is certified to Naturland gastro guidelines.
• Terra BiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland brand partner. Brings products from around 80 organic farmers from the Marken region to the European market. Product range includes grain products, seeds, legumes, seeds, and raw materials for processors.
• verdi BildungszentrumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaturland gastro partner. Located in the Neckar-Odenwald Bio model region of Baden-Württemberg. As a Naturland gastro partner, it serves guests with organic dishes from regional and Naturland-certified ingredients.
• WeltPartner eGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturland Fair partner. Fair Trade cooperative from Ravensburg-Erlen that has been particularly committed to developing Naturland Fair. Active in supporting smallholder farmer families in the Global South as well as small farms in the Global North. Nearly 700 members across the fair trade chain. 93% of 500 product SKUs carry Bio quality; many additionally carry the Naturland Fair mark.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Rainforest Alliance: International sustainability certification covering coffee, cocoa, tea, and tropical commodities with social and environmental criteria. Partially comparable to Naturland Fair for international supply-chain certification in the Global South, though with a more tropical-commodity focus.

Direct peers

• FLOCERT (Fairtrade International): Global fair trade certification body for Fairtrade International products. Directly comparable to Naturland Fair as a private fair-trade-plus-sustainability mark certifying producers and supply chains in the Global South.
• Biokreis: German organic farming association providing private certification that exceeds EU Bio. Competes with Naturland Zeichen GmbH for processors, traders, and gastronomy partners in the DACH market with a comparable vertical-coverage model.
• Bioland: Germany's largest organic farming association with private standards exceeding EU Bio minimums. Directly comparable as a private organic certification mark serving German processors, retailers, and gastronomy, competing for the same enterprise partner base.
• Demeter: Biodynamic farming and processing certification with private standards exceeding EU Bio. Comparable as a German-headquartered organic certification mark competing for the same processors, retailers, and gastronomy operators with anthroposophical/holistic positioning.
• Ecocert: France-based international organic and sustainability certification body operating across food, cosmetics, textiles, and fair trade. Comparable as a private above-EU-Bio certification mark with international reach and multi-sector coverage including fair trade.
• Control Union Certifications: Global certification body offering organic, fair trade, and sustainability certifications across agriculture, textiles, and consumer goods. Comparable as an international above-minimum certifier with multi-sector standards library.
• Soil Association Certification: UK-based organic certification body with private standards exceeding EU Bio. Comparable as a private organic certification mark with multi-sector coverage and strong brand recognition in retail and processing channels.
• BCS Öko-Garantie: Germany-based organic certification body offering EU-Bio and private standards inspection services. Directly comparable as a third-party organic certifier serving German and international processors, traders, and retailers.

Broad incumbents

• Quality Assurance International (QAI): US-based organic certification body owned by a larger certification group. Comparable to Naturland as a private organic certifier for processors and traders, with broader North American market focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@NaturlandVerband
• Facebookfacebook.com/NaturlandoekoLandbau
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/naturland-zeichen-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/naturland_official
• TikToktiktok.com/@naturland.official

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Naturland Zeichen GmbH