For more than a century, Berkel has stood for perfection, reliability, innovation and sustainability. Values that are proudly passed on and to which no concessions are made. Because Berkel is not just a trademark, it is a lifestyle, a story, a passion! We are committed to elegance and quality. Berkel is love for all that is beautiful and unique. Our pursuit of perfection translates into the utmost attention to detail, which is only possible thanks to our completely artisanal production process.
1898The genius intuition
The history of the Berkel brand began in 1898 when Dutchman Wilhelmus Van Berkel invented a revolutionary slicer that could mechanically reproduce "the perfect slice". His genius insight led to the creation of the world's first slicer and the birth of an icon, with the red flywheel, a must-have for enthusiasts and connoisseurs around the world.
1898Birth of a myth
On 12 October 1898, Van Berkel established its first factory in Rotterdam. A year later, Van Berkel's Patent Company Ltd had produced and delivered 84 cutting machines. After obtaining the patent, other factories were soon opened in Europe, the United States, South America and Canada, and the product range was expanded to include scales, meat grinders, coffee grinders and bread slicers.
1924Berkel in Italy
Berkel's story in Italy begins in Milan in 1924. In just a few years, the company grows to 1780 employees, 350 clerks, 920 salespeople spread over four factories, 115 showrooms and 205 shops. An unprecedented success at the time with no competition. World War II brought this stormy rise to a halt. After the war, the damage to the company was enormous, but the brand survived among the smoking rubble and Berkel continued its rise during the 'miracolo economico' (a period of exceptionally strong economic growth in Italy in the 1950s and 1960s).
2000Van Berkel today
Today, Van Berkel International is a multinational company with hundreds of employees and multi-million turnover. We sell meat slicers, knives and other kitchen and food processing equipment in more than 100 countries, with the two premium brands BERKEL and OMAS. Today, Van Berkel International has become one of the leading players in food processing equipment, both in the professional and consumer retail sector.
AUG 2014The Acquisition
The story continues that Rovagnati SpA founders Van Berkel International acquire Brevetti Van Berkel SpA
OKT 2014The Restart
Restart of industrial operation in Varese (Italy) and in Chennay (India)
JAN 2015Consumer´s World
Beginning of sales operations in the consumer market
JUN 2015Indian Company
100% acquisition of Indian company(BIPL) and new factory in India
SEP 2015Knives Factory
Acquisition of Del Ben Knives factory in Maniago (Italy)
JUN 2016USA Hub
Start of Berkel USA in Doral, Florida
MAY 2017Italian Factory
Acquisition of OMAS Spa in Oggiona S. Stefano (VA) and FLL: Fonderia Leghe Leggere in Besnate (VA)
JAN 2018German Hub
100% acquisition of Berkel Germany
