RAPS invests in innovation, co-creation and sustainability

RAPS, the international specialist in spices and functional ingredients, has officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art headquarters in Kulmbach, Bavaria, marking a major milestone in its long-term growth strategy.

A multi-million Euro investment, unveiled during a ceremony on October 6, will deliver a 5,000-square-metre facility designed to foster innovation, customer collaboration, and sustainable industrial development. Completion is slated for 2027.

At the heart of the new build is a Customer Experience Center, tailored to support co-development across key application areas including meat, savoury, bakery, dairy, confectionery, and snacks. Equipped with modern technical labs and versatile meeting spaces, the center will host interactive workshops and seminars aimed at deepening customer engagement and accelerating product innovation.

“With the new construction of our headquarters, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth, international collaboration, and an even stronger customer focus,” said Dr Oliver Ebneth, CEO of the RAPS Group. “This building is a clear signal to our employees, customers, and partners that we are investing in innovation and quality for the long term.”

The headquarters will also feature interdisciplinary workspaces that promote cross-functional collaboration between sales, marketing, product development, and administration. A large auditorium on the fourth floor will support events and knowledge-sharing across teams and partners.

RAPS is reinforcing its role as a regional employer, with around 200 employees expected to work at the new site. The design integrates existing structures to preserve embodied energy and reduce environmental impact, while green roofs, facades, and advanced climate control systems support energy efficiency and microclimate improvement.

“The Customer Experience Center will be a place where practical development, co-creation, and innovation go hand in hand — a clear signal for long-term partnerships and quality made in Kulmbach,” added Frank Kühne, majority shareholder and spokesperson for the RAPS owner family.

For food manufacturers, the new headquarters signals RAPS’ commitment to driving ingredient innovation, collaborative development, and sustainable growth.