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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
The story continues that Rovagnati SpA founders Van Berkel International acquire Brevetti Van Berkel SpA
Restart of industrial operation in Varese (Italy) and in Chennay (India)
Beginning of sales operations in the consumer market
100% acquisition of Indian company(BIPL) and new factory in India
Acquisition of Del Ben Knives factory in Maniago (Italy)
Start of Berkel USA in Doral, Florida
Acquisition of OMAS Spa in Oggiona S. Stefano (VA) and FLL: Fonderia Leghe Leggere in Besnate (VA)
100% acquisition of Berkel Germany
